Nouns Number

Question 1

regular plural formation

Answer 1

As in English, the plural is formed by adding an -s to the singular form of the noun. Note, however, that the -s is not pronounced. In spoken language, the determiner is often the only indication that a noun is singular or plural.

Question 2

nouns ending in

• -s
• -x
• -z

in the singular

Answer 2

Nouns ending in -s, -x, or -z do not change in the plural

Question 3

nouns ending in

• -al
• -ail
• -au

in the singular

Answer 3

Nouns ending in -al, -ail, or -au in the singular end in -aux in the plural.

Question 4

Nouns ending in

• -eu

or

• -eau

in the singular

Answer 4

add -x in the plural

Question 5

Nouns ending in -ou

Answer 5

end in -oux in the plural

Question 6

Exceptions for ending in -ou include:

Answer 6

• un clou (nail), des clous;
• un sou (a cent), des sous;
• un trou (hole), des trous

Question 7

irregular plurals

Some nouns have an alternate form in the plural:

Answer 7

• un oeil (eye), des yeux
• Madame (Madam), Mesdames
• Monsieur (Sir), Messieurs
• Mademoiselle (Miss), Mesdemoiselles

Question 8

There are a few exceptions for nouns ending in

• -al,
• -ail,
• -au,
• -eu,
• -eau,
• -ou

in the singular

Answer 8

There are a few exceptions:

• un bal (ball, dance), des bals;
• un carnaval (carnival), des carnavals;
• un festival (festival), des festivals;
• un récital (recital), des récitals.

Question 9

Note that some nouns follow the regular rule of plural formation but are pronounced differently in the plural.

Answer 9

For example,

• the -f is pronounced in the singular, but not in the plural.