Why s is used

They determine the amount of something. They mean more than one. So, when using these adjectives, you need the plural form of the noun, and so you must put the S at the end. Correct: There are several trophies on the shelf. Correct: I have a lot of cats. Correct: This town has many hot springs. Correct: My city has many bridges. So remember that many, several, and a lot are used to express something positive. English grammar rule says that a singular verb always has an S.

Now, there is one group of pronouns which can be confusing to use:. They all mean exactly the same: ONE person that has no specific name. Since each of these is singular pronoun, then your verb must have an S. So for the pronouns listed above, they always go with singular verbs. For instance, you can say,. Here is where the grammar rule for subject-verb agreement comes in:. As a side note, another thing to remember: always use the singular helping verb HAS when using these pronouns.

For example:. HAVE is reserved for plural usages. So just a quick review, helping verbs include:. Jones, Texas, Christmas.

There are conflicting policies and theories about how to show possession when writing such nouns. There is no right answer; the best advice is to choose a formula and stay consistent. Rule 1c. Some writers and editors add only an apostrophe to all nouns ending in s. Note: We sometimes hear that an inanimate object cannot possess, e. Care must be taken to place the apostrophe outside the word in question.

For instance, if talking about a pen belonging to Mr. Hastings, many people would wrongly write Mr. A widely used technique favored for its simplicity is to write the word as we would speak it. For example, since most people saying "Mr. Rule 2. Using an apostrophe to show plural possession. Rule 2a. Regular nouns are nouns that form their plurals by adding either the letter s or es guy, guys; letter, letters; actress, actresses; etc.

To show plural possession, simply put an apostrophe after the s. Rule 2b. Correct: Apostrophes are confusing. In special cases, such as when forming a plural of a word that is not normally a noun, some writers add an apostrophe for clarity.

In that sentence, the verb do is used as a plural noun, and the apostrophe was added because the writer felt that dos was confusing. Imagine the confusion if you wrote that sentence without apostrophes.

Readers would see as and us , and feel lost. Rule 2c. English also has many irregular nouns child, nucleus, tooth , etc. These nouns become plural by changing their spelling, sometimes becoming quite different words. If the regular noun ends in an s, it requires a different way to make it plural.

For example, axis becomes axes and patch becomes patches. The es is added when the singular noun ends in s or a double s, the letter x, a ch ending or sh ending. When you join two words together, the apostrophe comes into play.

She graduated with a B. Physical Education and Recreation. Public Health. Risk Management and Insurance. Theatre Arts. Bachelors B. S in Risk Management and Insurance. In Public Health. Masters M. Master of Public Administration. Non-Clinical M. Specialist Psy. Doctorate Au. Psychology for Online Degree Completion Program. Changing The World. Our Priorities. Your Journey Starts Here. We make it easy for you to apply and enter here.

Ready to take the next step toward a college education? Explore our Campus. Make lasting memories and grow in ways you never thought possible. Life in Washington, D. New and Emerging Signers Student Support. Artwork and layout by Elizabeth deLumeau.