What is the plural of wife?

Hello there! As a language expert with a keen interest in the intricacies of English grammar and vocabulary, I'm here to provide you with an in-depth explanation of the plural forms in English, using "wife" as a prime example.
The English language, with its rich and diverse history, has a complex system of pluralization. Some words form their plurals by simply adding an "s" at the end, while others have irregular plurals that don't follow a predictable pattern. The word "wife" is one such example where the plural form is not as straightforward as it might seem for a beginner in the language.
Let's delve into the nuances of forming plurals in English:


1. Regular Plurals: Most nouns in English form their plurals by adding an "s" to the singular form. For instance, "cat" becomes "cats," "dog" becomes "dogs," and "house" becomes "houses."


2. Irregular Plurals: Some nouns have irregular plural forms that must be memorized because they do not follow the standard "s" or "es" endings. Words like "man" become "men," "woman" becomes "women," and "child" becomes "children."


3. Mutating Consonants: In some cases, the plural form involves a change in the middle consonant of the word. For example, "foot" becomes "feet," and "tooth" becomes "teeth."


4. Vowel Changes: Certain nouns change their vowel to form the plural. A common example is "goose," which becomes "geese," and "mouse," which becomes "mice."


5. No Change: There are also nouns that remain the same in both singular and plural forms, such as "sheep," "deer," and "series."

Now, coming back to the word "wife," the plural form is "wives." This is an example of an irregular plural where the "f" or "fe" ending changes to "ves." It's important to note that not all words ending in "f" or "fe" follow this pattern; some simply add an "s." For example, "calf" becomes "calves."

The table you've provided seems to be a part of a larger list that categorizes words based on their singular and plural forms. It's a useful tool for learners to understand the different patterns of pluralization in English. However, it's crucial to remember that memorization and practice are key to mastering these irregular forms.

In conclusion, the plural of "wife" is "wives," and understanding the various rules and exceptions for forming plurals in English can greatly enhance one's proficiency in the language. It's always a good idea to consult a reliable dictionary or a native speaker when in doubt about the plural form of a specific word.

ExamplesSingularPluralgoosegeesehalfhalvesknifekniveswifewives26 more rows