Basic Rules for Making Words Plural (-s and -es)
Making Words Plural
Rulebase Summary
When a word ends in s, z, x, the soft 'ch,' or 'sh,' add -es to make it plural (fox→foxes, witness→witnesses, church→churches, quiz→quizzes). When a word ends in any other letter, add -s (affidavit→affidavits, machine→machines, trial→trials). When making a proper name plural, do not change the spelling of the name — just add -s or -es as appropriate (Mary→Marys, Wolf→Wolfs, Hess→Hesses, Perez→Perezes).
Examples
A. He called three witnesss to testify.
A. He called three witnesses to testify.
Words ending in s add -es for the plural.
A. Both Perez's were present at the hearing.
A. Both Perezes were present at the hearing.
Proper name ending in z — add -es, don't change the base spelling.
Transcript Notes
The reporter will use whatever form is said by the speaker, but understanding these basic rules helps when reviewing and proofreading the transcript.
Style Guide References (3)
BGGP
BGGP
BGGP