what is a noun - elementary
DESCRIPTION
explanation and exercises - noun - elementaryTRANSCRIPT
WHAT IS A NOUN?
A noun is a word that is used to refer to PEOPLE (John, Mary, Mr, Mrs, etc.), ANIMALS (cat, dog, horse, mouse, etc),
OBJECTS (house, garden, chair, hair, etc), SUBSTANCES (butter; smoke; money, rice, etc), FEELINGS (freedom;
happiness, loneliness, etc)
Countable:
A countable noun is a noun that has a singular and plural form. The plural is normally made by adding ‘-s’.
SINGULAR PLURAL
a car cars
a man men (irregular)
a key keys
a house houses
a flower flowers
an idea ideas
an accident accidents
a banana bananas
We can use numbers with countable nouns: a car / two cars / three cars …
We can’t use the singular (car / man / key) alone. You need an article (a / an)
We can’t get in the house without a key NOT We can’t get in the house without key.
We can use SOME and ANY with plural countable nouns.
We sang some songs. – (positive)
Did you buy any apples? – (questions)
We use MANY and FEW with plural countable nouns.
We didn’t take many photographs. – (big numbers)
I have a few things to do. – (small numbers)
Uncountable:
An uncountable noun is a noun that has no plural form.
UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS
milk salt advice news homework bread progress weather
water money dirt stuff luggage food fruit clothing
wood music grammar behaviour permission housework information furniture
air cheese luck equipment traffic mail scenery work
accommodati
on
baggage chaos damage
We can’t say 1 / 2 / 3 … + uncountable nouns.
We can’t use a / an + uncountable nouns.
Money isn’t everything. NOT A money isn’t everything.
We can use SOME and ANY with uncountable nouns.
We listened to some music. – (positive)
Did you buy any apple juice? – (questions)
We use MUCH and LITTLE with uncountable nouns.
We didn’t do much shopping. – (big numbers)
I have a little work to do. – (small numbers)
Countable and Uncountable:
Many nouns can be used as countable or uncountable nouns; usually with a difference in meaning.
COUNTABLE UNCOUNTABLE
Did you hear a noise just now? = a specific noise I can’t work here. There’s too much noise = in general
I bought a paper to read = a newspaper I need some paper to write on = material for writing on
There’s a hair in my soup = one single hair You’ve got very long hair = all the hair on your head
You can stay with us. There is a spare room = a room in a house
You can’t sit here. There isn’t room = space
I had some interesting experiences while I was travelling = specific things that happened to me.
They offered me the job because I had a lot of experience = in general
Enjoy your trip have a good time! = the specific time while you are away.
I can’t wait. I haven’t got time = in general
Two coffees and an orange juice, please. = two cups of coffee + a glass of orange juice
I don’t like coffee but I love orange juice. = normally uncountable and in general.
Compare these countable and uncountable nouns.
COUNTABLE UNCOUNTABLE
I’m looking for a job.
What a beautiful view!
It’s a nice day today.
We had a lot of bags and cases.
These chairs are mine.
That’s a good suggestion.
I’m looking for work.
What beautiful scenery!
It’s nice weather today.
We had a lot of baggage / luggage
This furniture is mine.
That’s good advice.
Exceptions in Spelling:
The plural of a noun is usually –s
–S
bird birds
mistake mistakes
hotel hotels
book books
-es after –s / -ss / -sh / -ch /-x
–ES
bus buses
miss misses
wash washed
search searches
box boxes
-es after –o
–ES
potato potatoes
go goes
do does
tomato tomatoes
-ies after -y
–IES
baby babies
dictionary dictionaries
party parties
-s after –ay / -ey / -oy
–S
day days
monkey monkeys
boy boys
-ves after –f / -fe
–S
shelf shelves
knife knives
wife wives
-irregular
SINGULAR PLURAL
man men
foot feet
goose geese
louse lice
mouse mice
tooth teeth
woman women
child children
person people
-no change
SINGULAR PLURAL
deer deer
fish fish
means means
offspring offspring
series series
sheep sheep
species species
cattle cattle
-only plural – these words take a plural verb : are
PLURAL
trousers pyjamas
glasses binoculars
scissors shorts
jeans tights
police
Possessive nouns:
Most words simply get ‘s (apostrophe)
The box belonging to Steve = Steve’s box
The bedroom of the child = the child’s bedroom
Plural nouns ending in –s; simply get ‘ (s’)
The box belonging to the girls = the girls’ box
The bedroom of the kids = the kids’ bedroom
For irregular plurals, add ‘s
The coats of the women = the women’s coats
The jackets of the children = the children’s jackets
For names ending in –s, add ‘s or alternatively just add ‘ (s’)
The cat belonging to Charles = Charles’s cat
The cat belonging to Charles = Charles’ cat
The jacket of the Phyllis = Phyllis’s jackets
The jacket of the Phyllis = Phyllis’ jackets
We use of … for things, places etc.
Look at the roof of that building.
We didn’t see the beginning of the film.
What’s the name of this village?
Do you know the cause of the problem?
You can sit in the back of the car.
Madrid is the capital of Spain
EXERCISES:
1. Underline the nouns in the following sentences.
1. Kittens and cats make fun pets.
2. Terry has a beautiful garden.
3. Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water.
4. Mr & Mrs. Ingalls built a little house on the prairie.
5. I read some very interesting articles in that magazine.
6. Shawn plays football every Saturday.
7. My cat isn’t allowed to sit on the table.
8. Where is your book?
9. The children like ice cream.
10. Ms. Mallory is the teacher of English.com.
11. Our teacher handed out the papers.
12. The bus went own the wrong road.
13. That dog chased the boys up a tree
14. My mom and dad helped me with my homework.
15. The doctor visited the patient at the hospital.
16. Our team won the big game!
2. What are these things? Some are countable and some are uncountable. Write a / an if necessary.
bucket / envelope / milk / salt / spoon / toothpaste / egg / jug / money / sand / toothbrush / wallet
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3. Some of these sentences are right, but some of them need a / an. Put in a / an where necessary.
1. ……………… I haven’t’ got watch.
2. ……………… Do you like cheese?
3. ……………… Ann never wears hat.
4. ……………… Are you looking for job?
5. ……………… Mary doesn’t eat meat.
6. ……………… Mary eats apple every day.
7. ……………… I’m going to party tonight.
8. ……………… Music is wonderful thing.
9. ……………… Jamaica is island.
10. ……………… I don’t need key.
11. ……………… Everybody needs food.
12. ……………… I’ve got good idea.
13. ……………… Can you drive car?
14. ……………… Do you want cup of coffee?
15. ……………… I don’t like coffee with milk.
16. ……………… Don’t go out without umbrella.
4. What are the things in the pictures? Write a … or… for each picture. Use the words in the boxes.
bar cup loaf bread milk tea
bottl
e
glass piece chocolate paper water
bowl jar piece honey soup wood
1. ……………………………………………
…………………
2. ……………………………………………
…………………
3. ……………………………………………
…………………
4. ……………………………………………
…………………
5. ……………………………………………
…………………
6. ……………………………………………
…………………
7.
…
……………………………………………
………………
8. ……………………………………………
…………………
9. ……………………………………………
…………………
5. Some of these sentences need a / an. Correct the sentences where necessary.
1. Joe goes everywhere by bike. He hasn't got car
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2. Helen was listening to music when I arrived.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3. We went to very nice restaurant last weekend.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4. I clean my teeth with toothpaste.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5. I use toothbrush to clean my teeth.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
6. Can you tell me if there's bank near here?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
7. My brother works for insurance company in London.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
8. I don't like violence.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
9. Can you smell paint?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
10. When we were in Rome, we stayed in big hotel.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
11. We need petrol. I hope we get to petrol station soon.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
12. I wonder if you can help me. I have problem.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
13. I like your suggestion. It's very interesting idea
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
14. John has got interview for job tomorrow.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
15. I like volleyball. It's good game.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
16. Liz doesn't usually wear jewellery.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
17. Jane was wearing beautiful necklace.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
6. Complete the sentences using the following words. Use a / an where necessary.
accident / biscuit / blood / coat / decision / electricity / interview / key / moment / music /
question / sugar
1. It wasn't your fault. It was ………………………………………………………………
2. Listen! Can you hear ………………………………………………………………?
3. I couldn't get into the house because I didn't have ……………………………………………………………….
4. It's very warm today. Why are you wearing ………………………………………………………………?
5. Do you take ……………………………………………………………… in your coffee?
6. Are you hungry? Would you like ……………………………………………………………… with your coffee?
7. Our lives would be very difficult without ……………………………………………………………….
8. 'I had ……………………………………………………………… for a job yesterday.' 'Did you? How did it go?'
9. The heart pumps ……………………………………………………………… through the body.
10. Excuse me, but can I ask you ………………………………………………………………?
11. I'm not ready yet. Can you wait ………………………………………………………………, please?
12. We can't delay much longer. We have to make ……………………………………………………………… soon.
7. Complete the sentences using the following words. Sometimes the word needs to be plural (-s), and sometimes you need to use a / an.
air / day / friend / language / letter / patience / people / photograph / queue / space / meat /
umbrella
1. I had my camera, but I didn't take any ………………………………………………………………?
2. There are seven ………………………………………………………………in a week.
3. A vegetarian is a person who doesn't eat ……………………………………………………………….
4. Outside the cinema there was ………………………………………………………………of people waiting to see the film.
5. I'm not very good at writing ……………………………………………………………….
6. Last night I went out with some ………………………………………………………………of mine.
7. There were very few ………………………………………………………………in town today. The streets were almost empty.
8. I'm going out for a walk. I need some fresh ……………………………………………………………….
9. Gary always wants things quickly. He hasn't got much ……………………………………………………………….
10. I think it's going to rain. Do you have ………………………………………………………………I could borrow?
11. Do you speak any foreign ………………………………………………………………?
12. Our flat is very small. We haven't got much ……………………………………………………………….
8. Which of the highlighted parts of these sentences is correct?
1. 'Did you hear noise-/ a noise just now?' 'No, I didn't hear anything.'
2. a If you want to know the news, you can read paper / a paper.
b I want to print some documents, but the printer is out of paper / papers.
3. a I thought there was somebody in the house because there was light / a light on inside.
b Light / A light comes from the sun.
4. a I was in a hurry this morning. I didn't have time / a time for breakfast.
b 'Did you enjoy your holiday?' 'Yes, we had wonderful time / a wonderful time.'
5. This is nice room / a nice room. Did you decorate it yourself?
6. Sue was very helpful. She gave us some very useful advice / advices.
7. Did you have nice weather / a nice weather when you were away?
8. We were very unfortunate. We had bad luck / a bad luck.
9. Is it difficult to find a work / job at the moment?
10. Our travel/journey from Paris to Moscow by train was very tiring.
11. When the fire alarm rang, there was total chaos / a total chaos.
12. I had to buy a / some bread because I wanted to make some sandwiches.
13. Bad news don't / doesn't make people happy.
14. Your hair is / Your hairs are too long. You should have it / them cut.
15. The damage / the damages caused by the storm will cost a lot to repair.
9. Complete the sentences using the following words. Use the plural (-s) where necessary.
advice / chair / experience / experience / furniture / hair / information / job / luggage / permission
/ progress / work
1. I didn't have much ……………………………………………………………… - just two small bags.
2. They'll tell you all you want to know. They'll give you plenty of ………………………………………………………………
3. There is room for everybody to sit down. There are plenty of ……………………………………………………………….
4. We have no ………………………………………………………………, not even a bed or a table.
5. 'What does Alan look like?' 'He's got a long beard and very short ……………………………………………………………… '
6. Carla's English is better than it was. She's made ……………………………………………………………….
7. Mike is unemployed. He can't get a ……………………………………………………………….
8. Mike is unemployed. He can't get ……………………………………………………………….
9. If you want to leave early, you have to ask for ……………………………………………………………….
10. I didn't know what to do. So I asked Chris for ……………………………………………………………….
11. I don't think Dan will get the job. He doesn't have enough ……………………………………………………………….
12. Paul has done many interesting things. He could write a book about his
……………………………………………………………….
10. Choose the correct form of the verb. Singular or plural. In one sentence either the singular or plural verb is possible.
1. Gymnastics is /are my favourite sport.
2. The trousers you bought for me doesn't / don't fit me.
3. The police want / wants to interview two men about the robbery last week.
4. Physics was / were my best subject at school.
5. Can I borrow your scissors? Mine isn't / aren't sharp enough.
6. Fortunately the news wasn't / weren't as bad as we expected.
7. Where does / do your family live?
8. Three days isn't / aren't long enough for a good holiday.
9. I can't find my binoculars. Do you know where it is / they are?
10. It's a nice place to visit. The people is / are very friendly.
11. Does / Do the police know how the accident happened?
12. I don't like very hot weather. Thirty degrees is / are too hot for me.
11. Most of these sentences are wrong. Correct them where necessary.
1. Three years are a long time to be without a job.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2. The government want to increase taxes.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3. Susan was wearing a black jeans.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4. Brazil are playing Italy in a football match next week
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5. I like Martin and Jane. They're very nice persons.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
6. I need more than ten pounds. Ten pounds aren't enough
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
7. I'm going to buy a new pyjama.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
8. The committee haven't made a decision yet.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
9. There was a police directing traffic in the street.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
10. What is the police going to do?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
11. This scissors isn't very sharp.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
12. What did you buy? Use the pictures to make sentences. (I bought…).
1. …………………………………………………………………………
………………………
2. …………………………………………………………………………
………………………
3. …………………………………………………………………………
………………………
4. …………………………………………………………………………
………………………
13. Write sentences with Would you like a …? or Would you like some…?
1.
…
…………………………………………………………………………
……………………
2. …………………………………………………………………………
………………………
3. …………………………………………………………………………
………………………
4. …………………………………………………………………………
………………………
5. …………………………………………………………………………
………………………
6. …………………………………………………………………………
………………………
14. Put in a / an or some.
1. I read ………………………… book and listened to ………………………… music.
2. I need ………………………… money. I want to buy ………………………… food.
3. We met ………………………… interesting people at the party.
4. I’m going to open ………………………… window to get ………………………… fresh air.
5. She didn’t eat much for lunch – only ………………………… apple and ………………………… bread.
6. We live in ………………………… big house. There’s ………………………… nice garden with ………………………… beautiful
trees.
7. I’m going to make a table. First I need ………………………… wood.
8. Listen to me carefully. I’m going to give you ………………………… advice.
9. I want to write a letter. I need ………………………… paper and ………………………… pen.
15. Which is right?
1. I’m going to buy some new shoe / shoes.
2. Martin has got brown eye / eyes.
3. Paula has got short black hair / hairs.
4. The tourist guide gave us some information / informations about the town.
5. We’re going to buys some new chair / chairs.
6. We’re going to buy some new furniture / furnitures.
7. It’s difficult to get a work / job at the moment.
8. We had lovely weather / a lovely weather when we were on holiday.
16. Write the plural?
1. flower
…………………………………………
2. boat
…………………………………………
3. woman
…………………………………………
4. city
…………………………………………
5. umbrella
…………………………………………
6. address
…………………………………………
7. knife
…………………………………………
8. sandwich
…………………………………………
9. family
…………………………………………
10. foot
…………………………………………
11. holiday
…………………………………………
12. potato
…………………………………………
13. person
…………………………………………
14. mouse
…………………………………………
15. tooth
…………………………………………
16. man
…………………………………………
17. child
…………………………………………
18. wolf
…………………………………………
19. fish
…………………………………………
20. leaf
…………………………………………
21. cat
…………………………………………
22. dog
…………………………………………
23. song
…………………………………………
24. basket
…………………………………………
25. girl
…………………………………………
26. dish
…………………………………………
27. kiss
…………………………………………
28. watch
…………………………………………
29. box
…………………………………………
30. buzz
…………………………………………
17. Look at the pictures and complete the sentences?
1. There are a lot of ……………………………………………… in the field.
2. George is cleaning his ………………………………………………
3. There are thee ……………………………………………… at the bus stop.
4. Jill has two ………………………………………………
5. There are a lot of ……………………………………………… in the river.
6. The ……………………………………………… are falling from the tree.
18. Some of these sentences are right but most are wrong. Correct the sentences that are wrong.
1. I’m going to buy some flowers.
2. I need a new jeans.
3. It’s a lovely park with a lot of beautiful tree.
4. There was a woman in the car with two mens.
5. Sheep eat grass.
6. David is married had three childs.
7. Most of my friend are student.
8. He put on his pyjama and went to bed.
9. We went fishing but we didn’t catch many fish.
10. Do you know many persons in this town?
11. I like your trouser. Where did you buy it?
12. The town centre is usually full of tourist.
13. I don’t like mice. I’m afraid of them.
14. This scissor isn’t very sharp.
19. Which is right?
1. It’s a nice place. Many people go / goes there for a holiday.
2. Some people is / are always late.
3. The president is not popular. The people don’t / doesn’t like him.
4. A lot of people watch / watches TV every day.
5. Three people was / were injured in the accident.
6. How many people live / lives in that house?
7. Do / Does the police carry guns in your country?
8. The police is / are looking for the stolen car.
9. I need m glasses but I can’t find it / them.
10. I’m going to buy a / some new jeans today.
20. Countable or Uncountable?
MAN C U CASH C U EQUIPMENT C U
WOMAN C U EXPENSE C U APPLE C U
AIR C U ORANGE C U DOLLAR C U
WATER C U PERSON C U SUN C U
BEER C U ORANGE JUICE C U NEWSPAPER C U
MONEY C U BANANA C U KNOWLEDGE C U
DESK C U OIL C U OXYGEN C U
MILK C U PETROL C U TENNIS C U
CAR C U FURNITURE C U CONCRETE C U
CHAIR C U NEWS C U SEAT C U
BATHROOM C U COFFEE C U CURRENCY C U
HORSE C U COTTON C U ADVERT C U
FINGER C U COMPUTER C U CHILD C U
HOUSE C U BUS C U HEAT C U
LESSON C U DOOR C U KNIFE C U
RICE C U FLAT C U ADVICE C U
BUTTER C U ROAD C U INFORMATION C U
21. Which is the correct plural?
1. CHILD a. CHILDS b. CHILD’S c. CHILDREN
2. HALF a. HALFS b. HALVES c. HALF’S
3. POTATO a. POTATOS b. POTATOES c. BOTH
4. FISH a. FISH b. FISHES c. BOTH
5. GOOSE a. GEESES b. GEESE c. GOOSES
6. AIRCRAFT a. AIRCRAFT b. AIRCRAFTS c. BOTH
7. CHURCH a. CHURCHES b. CHURCH c. CHURCHS
8. WOMAN a. WOMANS b. WOMEN c. BOTH
9. FLY a. FLYS b. FLIES c. FLYS’
10. SHEEP a. SHEEP b. SHEEP’S c. SHEEPS
11. FOOT a. FOOT b. FEET c. FOOTS
12. OX a. OX b. OXES c. OXEN
13. BOX a. BOX b. BOXES c. BOXEN
14. MOUSE a. MOUSES’S b. MOUSES c. MICE
22. Look at the family tree. Write sentences about the people in the family.
1. (Brian / husband)
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2. (Julia / mother)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3. (Mary / wife)
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4. (James / brother)
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5. (James / uncle)
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
6. (Julia / wife)
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…
7. (Mary / grandmother)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
8. (Julia / sister)
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
9. (Paul / husband)
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
10. (Paul / father)
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
11. (Daniel / nephew)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
23. Look at the pictures and answer the questions. Use one word only.
Whose is this?
……………………
………
Whose is this?
……………………
………
Whose is this?
……………………
………
Whose is this?
……………………
………
Whose is this?
……………………
………
Whose is this?
……………………
………
24. Are these sentences ok? Correct the sentences where necessary.
1. I stayed at the house of my sister.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2. What is the name of this village?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3. Do you like the colour of this coat?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4. Do you know the phone number of Bill?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5. The job of my brother is very interesting.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
6. Write your name at the top of the page.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
7. For me the morning is the best part of the day.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
8. The favourite colour of Paula is blue.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
9. When is the birthday of your mother?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
10. The house of my parents isn’t very big.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
11. The walls of this house are very thin.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
12. The car stopped at the end of the street.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
13. Are you going to the party of Silvia next week?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
14. The manager of the hotel is on holiday at the moment.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
15. Who is the owner of this restaurant?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
16. Where are the children of Chris?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
17. Is this the umbrella of your friend?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
18. I’ve never met the daughter of Charles.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
19. Have you met the son of Mary and Dan?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
20. We don’t know the cause of the problem.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
21. Do we still have the newspaper of yesterday?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
22. What’s the name of this street?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
23. What is the cost of a new computer?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
24. The friends of your children are here.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
25. The garden of our neighbours is very nice.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
26. I work on the ground floor of the building.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
27. The hair of Bill is very long.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
28. I couldn’t go to the party of Catherine.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
29. What’s the name of the woman who lives next door?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
30. Have you seen the car of the parents of Mike?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
31. What’ the meaning of this expression?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
32. Do you agree with the economic policy of the government?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
25. What is another way of saying these things? Use –‘s.
1. a hat for a woman
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2. a name for a boy
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3. clothes for children
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4. a school for girls
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5. a nest for a bird
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
6. a magazine for women
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
26. What is the correct plural of the word?
1. How many (person) ………………………………………………………… study English as a second language?
2. Five (woman) ………………………………………………………… opened a computer services company.
3. Even (child) ………………………………………………………… enjoy learning on the Internet.
4. Most basketball players are 6 (foot) ………………………………………………………… tall or more.
5. Which breed of (sheep) ………………………………………………………… produces the finest wool?
6. My (tooth) ………………………………………………………… are sensitive to the cold.
7. At daylight savings time, we have to change our (watch) …………………………………………………………
8. The boy went fishing and caught 10 (fish) …………………………………………………………
9. There are 10 (man) …………………………………………………………in the Maintenance Department.
10. The (wife) ………………………………………………………… keep their (knife) …………………………………………………………
on the (shelf) …………………………………
27. Complete the sentences with the correct possessive noun.
1. the house belonging to Julie That is ……………………………………………………… house.
2. the name of the cat My ……………………………………………………… name is Maggie.
3. the car belonging to my friend My ……………………………………………………… car.
4. the newspaper from yesterday Did you read ……………………………………………………… newspaper?
5. the restroom for ladies Where is the ……………………………………………………… restroom?
6. the cars belonging to my friends I saw my ……………………………………………………… cars in the parking lot.
7. the tests taken by the students The teacher will return the ……………………………………………………… tests after
lunch.
8. the restroom for men Where is the ……………………………………………………… restroom?
9. the choice of the people Vote for this candidate. He is the ……………………………………………………… choice.
10. the tracks of the geese It was easy to follow the ……………………………………………………… tracks in the
snow.
11. the house belonging to Mr. Janis Where is ……………………………………………………… house?
12. the shoes belonging to Curtis Those are ……………………………………………………… shoes.
13. the sister of Ross Monica is ……………………………………………………… sister.
28. Choose the correct possessive noun for each sentence.
1. I met Mrs. Browns’ daughter / Mrs. Brown’s daughter / Mrs. Browns’s daughter.
2. Welcome to our home. You may sleep in my sons’ bedroom / my sons’s bedroom / my son’s bedroom tonight. (one
son)
3. I met Franks’ sister / Frank’s sister / Franks’s sister at a party last week.
4. Why are you reading yesterday’s newspaper / yesterdays’ newspaper / yesterday’s newspaper?
5. The bicycle’s child / child’s bicycle / childs’s bicycle is damaged.
6. Sara is my wife’s name / my wifes’ name / my name’s wife.
7. I heard the cows’s bell / the cow’s bell / the bell’s cow ringing earlier.
8. Pauls’ friend / Pauls’s friend / Paul’s friend is about to leave.
9. On Thanksgiving, a turkey’s life / a turkeys’ life / a turkeys’s life is short. (the life of a turkey)
10. Abraham Lincoln was Americas 16th President / Americas’s 16th President / America’s 16th President.
29. Decide whether to use much or many.
1. She has so many / much friends!
2. Too many / much cooks spoil the broth.
3. Hurry up. I don’t have so many / much time.
4. We went to a dairy yesterday. I had never seen so many / much cows before.
5. It’s also quite amazing how many / much milk these cows produce every day.
6. You have too many / much money. Won’t you share it with me?
7. There are so many / much poor people in the world.
8. There are to many / much children in the house.
9. My father doesn’t drink many / much coffee.
10. How many / much of you have ever been to London?
Spelling Plural Nouns – ADDING S
Rule 1. MOST NOUNS To pluralize most nouns, simply add S. Examples: a. one cat two cats
b. one lake two lakes c. one boy two boys
Rule 2. CONSONANT + Y To pluralize consonant + Y nouns, change Y to IES. Examples: a. one city two cities
b. one baby two babies
* * *NOTE: Vowel + Y follows Rule 1.
Exercise 1. Write the plural nouns. ONE… TWO…
E.g. telephone
telephones
1. friend
…………………………………………………
2. banana
…………………………………………………
3. television
…………………………………………………
4. piano
…………………………………………………
5. computer
…………………………………………………
Exercise 2. Write the plural nouns. ONE… TWO…
E.g. family families
1. dictionary
…………………………………………………
2. toy
…………………………………………………
3. body
…………………………………………………
4. discovery
…………………………………………………
5. holiday
…………………………………………………
Rule 3. NOUNS WITH F To pluralize nouns with F, change F to VES. Examples: a. one shelf two shelves b. myself ourselves
***NOTE: This rule does NOT work with: roof, hoof, chief, belief, cliff
Rule 4. ADD ES To pluralize nouns ending in -ch -sh -s -x -z add ES. Examples: a. one church two churches
b. one wish two wishes c. one kiss two kisses d. one box two boxes e. one buzz two buzzes
Exercise 3. Write the plural nouns. ONE… TWO…
E.g. wife wives
1. knife
…………………………………………………
2. life
…………………………………………………
3. roof
…………………………………………………
4. belief
Exercise 4. Write the plural nouns. ONE… TWO…
E.g. fax faxes
1. wristwatch
…………………………………………………
2. batch
…………………………………………………
3. dish
…………………………………………………
4. blintz
…………………………………………………
5. half
…………………………………………………
…………………………………………………
5. mix
…………………………………………………
Exercise 5. Write the plural nouns.
ONE TWO ONE TWO ONE TWO
1. cherry
…………………………………………………
11. donkey
…………………………………………………
21. loaf
…………………………………………………
2. dog
…………………………………………………
12. laboratory
…………………………………………………
22. room
…………………………………………………
3. day
…………………………………………………
13. bus
…………………………………………………
23. wolf
…………………………………………………
4. berry
…………………………………………………
14. beach
…………………………………………………
24. boss
…………………………………………………
5. love
…………………………………………………
15. student
…………………………………………………
25. class
…………………………………………………
6. boyfriend
…………………………………………………
16. lady
…………………………………………………
26. factory
…………………………………………………
7. sweetheart
…………………………………………………
17. sister
…………………………………………………
27. monkey
…………………………………………………
8. university
…………………………………………………
18. rash
…………………………………………………
28. fox
…………………………………………………
9. song
…………………………………………………
19. thief
…………………………………………………
29. match
…………………………………………………
10. leaf
…………………………………………………
20. glass
…………………………………………………
30. brother
…………………………………………………