Change the numbers, layout and number of problems, then download a new PDF with its answer key.
These free plural nouns worksheets help children in grades 1 to 3 learn how to write more than one: add -s, add -es, change y to ies, change f to ves, and the irregular plurals such as child and children. Each page has a two-column table of 16 words, and the maker draws from 59 word pairs in three levels, so every sheet is different. Every download includes an answer key, in color or black and white.
Plural nouns worksheets to print (PDF)
The pages below show a mixed sheet, an easy sheet with -s and -es, a medium sheet with -ies and -ves, and a tricky sheet of irregular plurals. Use the maker at the top of this page to change the number of pages, the font, black and white ink or the paper size, then press New sentences for a fresh set. Every sheet has an answer key.
Mixed pluralsThree levels in one.PDFAdd -s and -esThe easy level.PDFChange y to iesThe medium level.PDFIrregular pluralsChild and children.PDF
Singular and plural worksheets: the rules for plural nouns
A singular noun means one, and a plural noun means more than one. Most plurals add -s, but about a third of the words on these sheets follow a different rule. Here is how the 59 word pairs in the maker divide:
Rule
How many words
Examples
add -s
16
cat → cats, dog → dogs, book → books, tree → trees, star → stars
add -es (words ending in s, x, z, ch, sh)
10
box → boxes, bus → buses, dish → dishes, fox → foxes, peach → peaches
Wikipedia’s plural article explains how English forms its plurals. These plural nouns worksheets turn the rules into short, repeatable practice.
Adding s and es worksheet: three quick checks
Does the word end in s, x, z, ch or sh? Add -es, because the extra syllable makes the word easier to say: box, boxes; bench, benches.
Does it end in a consonant and y? Change the y to i and add -es: baby, babies. If a vowel comes before the y, just add -s: toy, toys; day, days; key, keys.
Does it end in f or fe? Often change it to v and add -es: leaf, leaves; knife, knives. A few, like roof and chief, just add -s.
The -es sound: three plural endings
Good plural nouns worksheets also train the ear. Plural endings sound three ways: /s/ in cats, /z/ in dogs and /iz/ in boxes. The -es group makes an extra syllable, which is why it is spelled differently. Reading the words aloud is a good way to hear the rule.
Irregular plural nouns worksheets
Irregular plurals change the word, so children learn them by heart. The tricky level uses 14 of them: child → children, mouse → mice, foot → feet, tooth → teeth, man → men, woman → women and sheep → sheep and more. Some, like sheep and deer, stay the same in the plural. Many of these are common words children use daily, so they are worth learning early.
Teaching plurals grade by grade
Grade
What children learn about plurals
Standard
1
Use singular and plural nouns with matching verbs
L.1.1.c
2
Form and use irregular plural nouns such as feet, children and mice
Adding -s to every word: children write boxs or babys. Ask them to say the plural aloud first.
Applying the rule to irregular words: mouses, foots and childs are signs that the child knows the rule, so praise the thinking and show the right form.
Forgetting words that do not change: sheep and deer are the same in singular and plural.
What grade learns plural nouns? Plural nouns worksheets for grade 2
Grade 1 learns -s and -es plurals, grade 2 adds irregular plurals such as feet and children, and grade 3 uses regular and irregular plurals in writing.
How many words are in the plural nouns maker?
There are 59 word pairs: 25 easy, 20 medium and 14 tricky. Each page shows 16.
Why is it babies and not babys?
When a word ends in a consonant and y, the y changes to i before -es. When a vowel comes before the y, as in toy, you just add -s.
Do the worksheets have answer keys?
Yes. Every download includes an answer key page listing each plural.
