Glossary · Spelling rules and patterns
When do you add -s or -es?
Definition
Add -es for a plural when the word ends in s, x, z, ch or sh, since it adds a syllable you hear; add -s to almost everything else.
The test is by ear. Say the plural. If it gains a beat, use -es: box, boxes; wish, wishes; bench, benches. If it doesn't, use -s: cat, cats; ship, ships. Students who listen get it right far more often than students who memorize letters.
Words ending in consonant plus y change y to i and add -es: city, cities. Words ending in vowel plus y just add -s: day, days. Some words ending in f or fe change to ves: leaf, leaves; knife, knives. A few words ending in o take -es: potatoes, heroes.
The same rule covers verbs: he wishes, she fixes, it buzzes.
In a lesson
Say fox and foxes, then cup and cups. Ask the student to clap each. Foxes has two claps, cups has one. Then dictate dishes, lunches and maps.
Examples
Each word with its spelling units, one per sound.
- foxesf·o·x·es
- lunchesl·u·n·ch·es
- benchesb·e·n·ch·es
- mapsm·a·p·s
Words come from our lexicon, checked against a pronouncing dictionary. Words a student sees in our assessments are left out.
Why does this matter for the record?
Plural errors usually come from not hearing the extra syllable. If a student writes boxs, try the clapping check before reteaching the rule.
Rate each skill as you teach it
Needs support, Developing, Secure. The rating schedules the review and builds the report.