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These are leaves. They are NOT leafs.

Spelling (Plurals for nouns ending in f or fe) 01

Plurals can be tricky. Many nouns ending in f or fe change to ves. Learn the patterns and spot the common exceptions with confidence.

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Fascinating Fact:

Nouns ending in fe often change to ves. One knife becomes three knives on the kitchen rack.

In KS3 English, you review plural spelling rules that affect meaning and clarity. Words ending in f or fe often switch to ves in the plural (leaf -> leaves), while some keep a simple -s (roof -> roofs). Knowing which pattern a word follows improves accurate spelling in essays and everyday writing.

Key Terms

Singular: A word that names one person, place, or thing (for example, knife).
Plural: A word that names more than one (for example, knives).
Exception: A word that does not follow the usual rule (for example, roof -> roofs).

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Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is the rule for plurals of words ending in f or fe?

Many change the final f/fe to ves (leaf -> leaves, wolf -> wolves, life -> lives). However, some simply add -s (roof -> roofs, chief -> chiefs).

How can I tell if a word takes -s or -ves?

Check trusted dictionaries and learn common groups. Occupations and titles often take -s (chiefs), while many nature words take -ves (loaves, shelves, calves).

Is knifes ever correct as a plural?

No. The plural noun is knives. Knifes exists only as a verb form (he knifes the ball forward), not as the plural of knife.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

Select the correct spelling(s) for the missing word(s).
The footballers' ....... cheered as their husbands played.

wife

wifes

wive

wives

"Wife" loses the -fe and adds -ves to form its plural

2 .

Select the correct spelling(s) for the missing word(s).
In autumn the ....... turn golden.

leaf

leafs

leave

leaves

One "leaf", but more than one "leaves"

3 .

Select the correct spelling(s) for the missing word(s).
The cow gave birth to twin .......

calf

calfs

calve

calves

More than one "calf" is "calves" (this is also true of the leg muscle)

4 .

Select the correct spelling(s) for the missing word(s).
In the bakery there were still some ....... on the .......

loaf, shelf

loafs, shelfs

loaves, shelfs

loaves, shelves

One "loaf" on a "shelf", but many "loaves" on the "shelves"

5 .

Select the correct spelling(s) for the missing word(s).
The ....... howled in the snowy forest.

wolf

wolfs

wolve

wolves

One "wolf", many "wolves"

6 .

Select the correct spelling(s) for the missing word(s).
The students purchased red, blue and green .......

scarf

scarfes

scarves

scarvs

How many nouns can you think of which end in -f or -fe? Do they all lose the -f/-fe for a -ves when plural?

7 .

Select the correct spelling(s) for the missing word(s).
Put these ten ....... and forks on the table please!

knife

knifes

knive

knives

One "knife" but two "knives"

8 .

Select the correct spelling(s) for the missing word(s).
The book is about the ....... of great composers.

life

lifes

live

lives

"Life": lose the -fe and add -ves to form the plural

9 .

Select the correct spelling(s) for the missing word(s).
The newborn ....... were just beginning their .......

calf, lives

calfs, lifes

calves, life

calves, lives

Are you getting the hang of it yet?

10 .

Select the correct spelling(s) for the missing word(s).
The ....... of each band of warriors held a meeting.

chief

chiefs

chieve

chieves

"Chief" is an exception to the rule and just adds an s for its plural

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Spelling

Author: Sue Daish (English Teacher, Principal Examiner & Published Author)

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