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What are plurals? Guide for kids!
What are plurals? When do we need to use the plural form of a word? Learn from the Grammar Witch!
Below is the conversation between Caterpillar and Grammar Witch:
Caterpillar:
Grammar Witch, find me bug! ❌
Grammar Witch:
Mr Caterpillar, you mean you want a bug? ✔️
Caterpillar:
No, I want lots of bug! I want fifteen bug! ❌
Grammar Witch:
Oh, you want lots of BUGS! You want fifteen BUGS! ✔️
Explanation: In English, when we are talking about more than one of something, we have to use the plural form. Usually, that means adding an “s”. If we’re talking about something in the singular (just one), we use an article before it (a, an).
Examples:
Singular:
I want a bug. 🐞
Plural:
I want bugs. 🐞🐞🐞
Singular:
I want an apple. 🍎
Plural:
I want apples. 🍎🍎🍎
This is often hard to remember if your first language doesn’t use the plural form like this. In both Chinese and Malay, the singular and plural form is the same.
我要一颗苹果 = I want an apple.
我要十五颗苹果 = I want 15 apples.
Saya mahu sebiji epal. = I want an apple.
Saya mahu lima belas biji epal. = I want 15 apples.
We hope this helps you remember when to use plurals.
Reading storybooks in English is a great way for children to pick up grammar naturally. View our storybooks here.
