English words that are plural and singular

Over the last few years I have noticed a change in English usage of words that are both singular and plural.

Much of the change, I think, is brought about by people whose first language is not English. Let me explain.

There are many English words that are both singular and plural. However, plurality is now being assigned to these words by the addition of an "s".

For example, I often read an article that includes the word "accommodations" which is written as a plural. But, in English there is only one word ie, "accommodation" which is used in both the singular sense eg,

"I have changed my accommodation to get a better view of the sea". (Singular sense)

"The accommodation provided for our employees varies according to their salary level." (Plural)

While it is appropriate to add "s" to many English words to make them plural, other words do not require it. I can understand how confusing this must be to those of you who are learning English.

The only way to know which words are both singular and plural is to learn to identify them.

The various rules for plurality and singularity are quite extensive and confusing, but hey, everyone has to start somewhere.

Your Homework (just joking)

Here are a few other words that are both singular and plural:

Training

Aircraft

Sheep

How many more can you add to this list?

Mary - There are several names for singular words that are also plural, but probably the easiest is to think of them as "irregular plurals". The situation is even more confusing when you think of the word "hair". Hair is both singular and plural when you talk about it in its collective sense ie, as one large group of hair. If you talk about several strands of hair, then you could refer to "hairs". (Look up countable and non-countable nouns)

Elmak - Management is both singular and plural but can be used in different ways eg,

"She is part of the management team", or "Management of cancer takes time". or "Management is an interesting topic".

Elen and Expector Smith - English, like most languages is a changing (evolving) language. "Fruit/s" is another example of usage that can be either eg, "I love to eat all fruit" or, "The fruits of her labour were more income and a better life style."

As ES says, there are usage differences between countries where English is spoken.

The main thing is to decide which version of English you will use and be consistent. Don't incorporate two versions in the one article eg, "organisation" in Australian English and "organization" in USA English.

When you are competent at using English, you can customize your writing for the audience for whom you are writing. Your target audience will help inform you which version they will understand best.

Thank you all for your comments.

You need to be a member of MyEnglishClub to add comments!

Join MyEnglishClub

Comments

noaslpls March 30, 2015 6:08

Well, I think these words has both singular and plural in them.

1. Stuff

2. Staff

3. Advice

4, Research
Onee-chan March 30, 2015 3:15

Education

Anger

Confidence

Wealth

Honesty

Depression

Hate

Damage

Air

Health

Progress

Any correction? (how about Correction?) Thanks Robinoz. :)
MARY March 29, 2015 12:00

Ok, thanks Robinoz. "Irregular plurals" that's easy to remember... I hope so (i've very bad memory) :D

I didn't know to say 'hairs' was correct too. Thanks for the info :) By the way, it came to my mind another word I've 'problems' with, that's the word 'news' in a singular meaning. I mean, when I want to talk just about 1 specific event...
Robinoz March 29, 2015 6:29

Mary - There are several names for singular words that are also plural, but probably the easiest is to think of them as "irregular plurals". The situation is even more confusing when you think of the word "hair". Hair is both singular and plural when you talk about it in its collective sense ie, as one large group of hair. If you talk about several strands of hair, then you could refer to "hairs". (Look up countable and non-countable nouns)

Elmak - Management is both singular and plural but can be used in different ways eg,

"She is part of the management team", or "Management of cancer takes time". or "Management is an interesting topic".

Elen and Expector Smith - English, like most languages is a changing (evolving) language. "Fruit/s" is another example of usage that can be either eg, "I love to eat all fruit" or, "The fruits of her labour were more income and a better life style."

As ES says, there are usage differences between countries where English is spoken.

The main thing is to decide which version of English you will use and be consistent. Don't incorporate two versions in the one article eg, "organisation" in Australian English and "organization" in USA English.

When you are competent at using English, you can customize your writing for the audience for whom you are writing. Your target audience will help inform you which version they will understand best.

Thank you all for your comments.
Expector Smith March 28, 2015 22:51

Interesting topic!

It can be so hard for learners to decide when they should add an "s" to a noun. The differences between British English and Amercan English make it even more confusing.

The plural form of the word "accommodation" can be "accommodations" - check out this page.
Nimzaf March 28, 2015 16:26

Very good information.and also I agreed to my new friend ELMAKs comment .
MARY March 28, 2015 16:11

trout, salmon, moose... for some reason (or probably, for no reason at all) I think most of these identical plural and singular words usually are animal words.

Btw, is there a name for this kind of 'same plural and singular' words?
ELMAK March 28, 2015 15:59

Thanks for this informative article. It can really be confusing for those who are not native speakers of the English language.

How about advice?

Management
Elen March 28, 2015 8:37

What about "fruit" and "fruits" ? I know that the rule says that it is "fruit" in singular and plural but i see it often as "fruits" in plural and to tell you the truth i prefer it :)

This reply was deleted.