Plural Rules: Adding s and es - Studyladder Interactive Learning Games - Free Printable

Let's solve this step-by-step based on the plural rules provided in the worksheet:

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🔹 Rule Recap:

> Make the plural of nouns ending in s, sh, ch, x, and z by adding -es.

Examples:
- box → boxes
- bus → buses

This rule applies because these endings require an extra syllable to pronounce the plural correctly.

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✔ Part 1: Write the plural for each noun.

| Noun | Plural |
|--------|----------------|
| box | boxes |
| torch | torches |
| brush | brushes |
| loss | losses |
| dish | dishes |
| church | churches |
| patch | patches |
| class | classes |

✔ All of these end in s, sh, ch, or x, so we add -es.

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✔ Part 2: Circle the correct spelling of plurals in sentences.

We need to choose the correct plural form based on the rule.

1. There are many (foxs / foxes) in the park.
→ "fox" ends in x, so plural is foxes.
✔ foxes

2. I saw many (birdes / birds) in the trees.
→ "bird" ends in d, not s/sh/ch/x — so just add -s.
→ Correct plural: birds
✔ birds

3. We took photos of all the (classes / class).
→ "class" ends in s, so plural is classes.
✔ classes

4. Wash and dry the (dishes / dishes) please.
→ "dish" ends in sh, so plural is dishes.
✔ dishes

5. I saw many (rabbits / rabbites) last night.
→ "rabbit" ends in t, so plural is rabbits (just add -s).
✔ rabbits

6. We use (torches / torchs) when we camp.
→ "torch" ends in ch, so plural is torches.
✔ torches

7. Will you help unpack the (boxs / boxes)?
→ "box" ends in x, so plural is boxes.
✔ boxes

8. We will pull out all the (weedes / weeds).
→ "weed" ends in d, so plural is weeds (add -s).
✔ weeds

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🟩 Final Answers:

#### Part 1: Plurals
- box → boxes
- torch → torches
- brush → brushes
- loss → losses
- dish → dishes
- church → churches
- patch → patches
- class → classes

#### Part 2: Circle the correct plural
1. foxes
2. birds
3. classes
4. dishes
5. rabbits
6. torches
7. boxes
8. weeds

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✔ Explanation Summary:
The key rule here is that nouns ending in s, sh, ch, x, or z form their plurals by adding -es (not just -s), to make pronunciation easier. For other nouns, we simply add -s.

This helps avoid confusion like "foxs" (incorrect) vs. "foxes" (correct), or "torchs" vs. "torches".

Let me know if you'd like a printable version or explanation for younger learners!