60+ Nouns That Do Not Take Plural Markers

In this article, you will read and learn a helpful list of over sixty (60) nouns in the English language you cannot pluralise because if you do, the literal meanings of some of these nouns will automatically change or be regarded as spelling errors.

Nouns that cannot be pluralised are nouns that are not conforming with the usual way of pluralising nouns by adding “s”, “es”, “ies”, or any other forms of plural markers.

These nouns are also referred to as the “zero plural nouns” or “non-pluralised nouns” because they do not take any plural marker and remain the same when using them in both singular and plural contexts.

Meaning that non-pluralised (or zero plural) nouns are written in the same forms as if you were writing the singular nouns and remain unaltered when writing their plural nouns. 

That is, they can be used as singular or plural nouns.

Nevertheless, while the pluralisation of these nouns can be regarded as wrong spellings, in some cases, it used to give other meanings to the initial meanings of the words or change their functions in a sentence.

Here are some examples, meanings and illustrations of nouns that do not take plural markers such as “s”, “es”, “ies” or the like in the English language, as well as explanatory notes where necessary:

[1]. Accommodation

Meaning:

Accommodation refers to a lodge or building to dwell or work at.

Illustration:

There is quite luxurious accommodation at that hotel.

[2]. Advice

Meaning:

Advice means opinion, counsel or recommendation given to someone.

Illustration:

Brother Thomas was offered various pieces of advice on what to do before getting married by his parent, successfully married relatives and pastor.

Explanatory Note:

It’s wrong to say or write “advices” as a plural form of ‘advice’. “Advice” is used as both the singular and plural form.

The verb form of “advice” is ‘advise’, which means to give advice to.

The singular form of the verb “advise” is ‘advises’. E.g., Elder Joel advises his children always.

[3]. Air

Meaning:

Air means the invisible substance that surrounds the earth’s atmosphere.

Illustration:

I do prefer to stay outside for some minutes during the dry summer to get some fresh air before going to bed.

[4]. Aircraft

Meaning:

Aircraft simply means a vehicle or vehicles that can fly due to interaction with the air, e.g., aeroplane, helicopter, etc.

Illustration:

All aircraft were grounded.

Explanatory Note:

It’s wrong to say or write “aircrafts” as a plural form of ‘aircraft’. “Aircraft” is used as both the singular and plural form.

[5]. Ammunition

Meaning:

Ammunition means the articles, such as bullets and rockets, which are used in charging firearms or guns.

Illustration:

In a fight against insurgents, the policemen are short of arms and ammunition.

[6]. Art

Meaning:

Art refers to the conscious application of human creative skills and imagination in producing beautiful artwork in a graphic or plastic medium such as sculpture, literature, painting, ballet and music.

Illustrations:

Is graffiti an art or vandalism?

Rolland studied art at university.

[7]. Artillery

Meaning:

Artillery refers to large projectile weapons which are transportable on wheels and operated by more than one army.

Illustration:

The long, heavy fighting has led to the use of artillery between the two sides.

[8]. Baggage

Meaning:

Baggage refers to portable bags or suitcases that one can use for carrying, pushing or pulling personal items with him on a journey.

Illustrations:

The corps members have a lot of baggage.

The secondary school students don’t have much baggage.

Explanatory Note:

“Baggage” is the British spelling, while it’s spelt as “luggage” in American English.

[9]. Bedding

Meaning:

Bedding stands for a collection of textiles associated with a bed, e.g., sheets, blankets, pillowcases, bedspreads, etc.

Illustration:

Sister Esther changed the bedding early this morning.

[10]. Blame

Meaning:

Blame means the culpability for something negative or undesirable.

Illustration:

Miss Patience accepted the blame, but it was not intentional.

Explanatory Note:

The singular form of the verb “blame” is ‘blames’, which means to assert or consider that someone is the cause or responsible for something negative. E.g., the manager blames Miss Patience for the accident.

[11]. Buffalo

Meaning:

Buffalo are any of the Old World mammals of the family Bovidae, such as the Cape buffalo, Syncerus caffer, or the water buffalo, Bubalus bubalis.

Illustration:

We saw a massive buffalo bull on our safari adventure in Africa. 

Explanatory Note:

To say or write “buffaloes” as a plural form of ‘buffalo’ is wrong. “Buffalo” is used as both the singular and plural form, while “buffaloes” is the present verb.

[12]. Cattle

Meaning:

Cattle are referred to as domesticated bovine animals such as cows, bulls, steers, etc.

Illustration:

Mr Danjuma is good at raising cattle.

Explanatory Note:

It’s wrong to say or write “cattles” as a plural form of ‘cattle’. “Cattle” is used as both the singular and plural form.

[13]. Character

Meaning:

Character simply means a person’s behaviour.

Illustration:

Miss Bimbo’s character is very chameleonic in nature.

Explanatory Note:

The plural form of “character” is “characters”, which has a distinct meaning. Characters mean individuals or people who take part in a play. E.g., there were a lot of experienced characters in the newly released play.

[14]. Clergy

Meaning:

Clergy means a body of religious leaders such as ministers, sheikhs, priests or rabbis.

Illustration:

The occasion was attended by the clergy of all denominations.

[15]. Cutlery

Meaning:

Cutlery refers to food-serving utensils such as knives, forks and spoons that one eats with.

Illustration:

This company is one of the companies best known in the olden days for the manufacture of stainless steel cutlery as a result of its durability.

[16]. Damage

Meaning:

Damage (n.) indicates injury or harm that is caused to something.

Illustration:

The storm did a lot of damage to the Southern areas, more than the Northern areas.

Explanatory Note:

The addition of “s” to ‘damage’, i.e., “damages”, is used to form another noun. Damages stands for the monetary compensation for a wrong done. E.g., Mr Iretomiwa got two hundred million naira in damages.

[17]. Deer

Meaning:

A deer is a ruminant mammal with antlers and hooves of the family Cervidae.

Illustration:

Mr Davidson also had an accident when a deer ran across the road.

Explanatory Note:

Deer can be used to refer to one or multiple deer.

[18]. Dust

Meaning: 

Dust means fine, dry powder, such as particles of matter found in the air and covering the surface of objects.

Illustration: 

Almost all the cars that passed by threw up a cloud of dust.

Explanatory Note: 

The singular form of the verb “dust” is ‘dusts’. E.g., he dusts all the furniture every day.

[19]. Elite

Meaning: 

Elite refers to a special group of people who are powerful, rich and have superior status in the society.

Illustration: 

Nigeria is one of the African countries in the world with many respected elite.

Explanatory Note:

It’s wrong to say or write “elites” as a plural form of ‘elite’. “Elite” is used as both the singular and plural form.

[20]. Elk

Meaning:

Elk is any of various large species of deer, such as the red deer, wapiti or moose. 

Illustration:

In the early morning light, we caught a glimpse of a herd of elk crossing the river, their large hooves splashing in the water.

Explanatory Note:

Either “elk” or “elks” can be used as the plural form of ‘elk’ in the modern-day English language. 

[21]. Equipment

Meaning:

Equipment means visible things needed for carrying out a particular activity.

Illustration:

Mr Ikanna bought a new set of printing equipment.

Explanatory Note:

It’s wrong to say or write “equipments” as a plural form of ‘equipment’. “Equipment” is used as both the singular and plural form.

[22]. Evidence

Meaning:

Evidence implies the verifiable facts or observations presented to prove or disprove alleged matters or something.

Illustration:

There is no evidence as regards Mr Kokumo’s whereabouts.

Explanatory Note:

It’s wrong to say or write “evidences” as a plural form of ‘evidence’. “Evidence” is used as both the singular and plural form.

[23]. Fire

Meaning:

Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material or a chemical reaction that produces heat and light in the presence of flame or smouldering.

Illustration:

There is a need for precautions when setting fire in the forest during dry summer.

[24]. Fish

Meaning:

A fish is a cold-blooded vertebrate animal that lives inside the water. When referring to species, the plural form of ‘fish’ is “fish”.

Illustration:

My dad has many fish in his aquarium.

Explanatory Note:

On the other hand, multiple kinds of fish or various species are referred to or pluralised as “fishes”. E.g., the fishmonger sells fishes across all the African countries.

[25]. Foliage

Meaning:

Foliage is a collection of leaves of plants or greenery.

Illustration:

The garden’s lush foliage provided a haven for birds and other wildlife.

Explanatory Note:

Foliage does not take a plural marker.

[26]. Freedom

Meaning:

Freedom is the right or power to talk, write, think or act as one wants. That’s the lack of constraint, imprisonment or slavery of an individual, group of people or something.

Illustrations:

Freedom of speech is one of the basic democratic values.

Some African citizens only have freedom of speech, but there’s no guarantee of freedom after speech.

[27]. Fun

Meaning: 

Fun simply means pleasant, enjoyable or amusing activities. 

Illustrations: 

Thousands of national and international dignitaries joined the popular musician in Nigeria to celebrate in the fun.

My birthday is full of all the fun.

[28]. Fund

Meaning:

Fund means an amount of money for a specific purpose.

Illustration:

Mr Tony made a generous donation to our building project fund.

Explanatory Note:

On the contrary, “funds” means money generally. E.g., the church needs funds for the ministry growth.

[29]. Furniture

Meaning: 

Furniture refers to large movable wooden items in a room or an office, such as chairs, tables, couches, shelves, etc., which make a room or building look suitable for living or working.

Illustrations: 

What a set of well-arranged furniture! I saw in that house.

This is the carpenter who made all the furniture in our office.

[30]. Grass

Meaning:

Grass means any plant of the family Poaceae, characterised by leaves that arise from nodes in the stem and leaf bases that wrap around the stem, especially those grown as ground cover rather than for grain. 

Illustration:

They lay in the grass.

Explanatory Note:

On the other hand, different types of grass or various species are referred to or pluralised as “grasses”.

[31]. Grouse

Meaning:

Grouse are any of various game birds of the subfamily Tetraoninae which inhabit temperate and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. 

Illustration:

We spotted a covey of grouse hiding in the underbrush during our hike.

Explanatory Note:

Grouse is one of the zero plurals that do not have a distinct plural form from the singular.

On the other hand, it’s right to say or write “grouses” as a noun’s plural form of ‘grouse’ if the writer or user means “a cause for complaint” or ‘a grumble’.

[32]. Happiness

Meaning:

Happiness is the emotion of joy, wellbeing, good luck, contentment or good fortune.

Illustrations:

Happiness is within; no one can give it to you.

After declaring the senator the winner, everyone present could see the happiness on his face and in his action.

[33]. Information

Meaning: 

Information is communicable or transferrable knowledge or facts about something.

Illustrations: 

Few reporters have firsthand information but are afraid of releasing it to the media in Nigeria.

The lawyer has provided all the necessary information on that case.

Explanatory Note:

It’s wrong to say or write “informations” as a plural form of ‘information’. “Information” is used as both the singular and plural form.

[34]. Jewellery

Meaning: 

Jewellery are personal ornamentations such as necklaces, rings, brooches and bracelets, made of precious metals. 

Illustration: 

Her husband bought various forms of jewellery for her as birthday gifts.

Explanatory Note: 

“Jewellery” is the British and Canadian spelling, while it’s spelt as “jewelry” in American English.

[35]. Load

Meaning:

Load indicates a burden or weight to be carried.

Illustration:

I kept walking up to the hill with the heavy load in my rucksack.

[36]. Love

Meaning:

Love is a strong affection or a feeling of intense attraction towards someone or something. 

Illustration:

My friend Michael has never been in love as much as he is with his new fiancée.

[37]. Luggage

Meaning:

Luggage refers to bags, cases or containers used to carry personal belongings when travelling or moving from one place to another.

Illustration:

I like travelling with small-sized luggage.

[38]. Machinery

Meaning:

Machinery simply means factory machines as a group.

Illustrations:

The introduction of machinery is saving the company’s labour cost.

All of the newly bought machinery are cost-effective.

[39]. Mail

Meaning:

Mail refers to letters, packages, parcels and messages sent through the post office or electronically.

Illustration:

All the mail is single-handedly sorted out by Mr Joshua.

Explanatory Note:

The singular form of the verb “mail” is ‘mails’, which has a distinct meaning. To mail (verb) means to post something. E.g., the printing press mails the books to me directly.

[40]. Music

Meaning:

Music can be described as a series of sounds organised in time, employing melody, harmony and tempo in order to convey a mood.

Illustration:

The new Davido’s upbeat music got everyone on their feet, dancing and singing along.

The concert featured a diverse range of outstanding music, from classical to contemporary.

Explanatory Note:

It’s wrong to say or write “musics” as a plural form of ‘music’. “Music” is used as both the singular and plural form.

[41]. Nature

Meaning:

Nature is the innate characteristics of a thing or the natural world in terms of plants, animals, landscapes, etc., without any effect from human technology, production or design.

Illustrations:

It’s not in my nature to lie or deceive people.

Nature never lies.

[42]. Offspring / Issue

Meaning:

Offspring or issue simply means a person’s children or all of a person’s descendants, including further generations.

Illustration:

What are your findings on how parents pass genes on to their offspring?

Explanatory Note:

The plural form of “issue” is “issues”, which has a distinct meaning. Issues refer to topics under discussion by people. E.g., Desmond likes writing about political issues.

[43]. People

Meaning:

People refer to a group of two or more persons or a body of human beings.

Illustration:

JustRite Superstores are always filled to the brim during festive seasons.

Explanatory Note:

The singular form of “people” is ‘person’.

[44]. Personnel

Meaning:

Personnel simply refers to employees or office staff working in a company or an organisation.

Illustration:

Eighteen new personnel have been posted to our office from the headquarters this week.

Explanatory Note:

It’s wrong to say or write “personnels” as a plural form of ‘personnel’. “Personnel” is used as both the singular and plural form.

[45]. Police

Meaning:

Police is a legally authorised civil force for enforcing law and maintaining public order. 

Illustration:

This issue is getting out of hand; call the police!

Explanatory Note:

Police is already in plural form and can be used as a singular noun in some sentences.

[46]. Research

Meaning:

Research is a systematic investigation into a subject or topic.

Illustration:

All the graduating students are mandated to write research.

[47]. Riffraff

Meaning:

Riffraff signifies common people.

Illustration:

Only riffraff act that way in the midst of the elite.

[48]. Salmon

Meaning:

Salmon is one of several species of fish, typically of the Salmoninae subfamily. It’s also called lax.

Illustration:

In many upscale restaurants, grilled salmon is a popular dish.

Wild-caught salmon are considered a healthy food choice because they’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Explanatory Note:

Like most of the nouns stated in this post, “salmon” can be used as both singular and plural.

[49]. Scenery

Meaning:

Scenery means everything one sees around, such as natural features, landscapes or other social happenings.

Illustration:

As we approached the border, the scenery became spectacular.

[50]. Sheep

Meaning:

Sheep means a farm animal with a thick woolly coat.

Illustration:

Sheep are kept for their wool and meat.

[51]. Shrimp

Meaning:

Shrimp refers to small, swimming decapod crustaceans, often edible and found in oceans and seas worldwide. It is a good source of protein, vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids.

Illustration:

David is craving shrimp scampi for dinner tonight.

Explanatory Note:

Shrimp is used to refer to one or multiple shrimp, meaning that it forms both the singular and plural nouns.

The singular form of the verb “shrimp” is written as “shrimps”, which means ‘to fish for shrimp’.

[52]. Silence

Meaning:

Silence simply means the absence of any sound. That is, the state of being quiet or making no noise that can cause commotion.

Illustrations:

“You have the right to silence,” said the police officer.

Silence is the best answer to the fools.

Explanatory Note:

Silence can also be used as a verb. E.g. 

Silence the students so that we can start the debate.

Can you silence the critics about our political party flag bearers before the general elections?

[53]. Silverware

Meaning:

Silverware simply means any metal eating utensils or cutlery made of silver or silver-plated materials, e.g., forks, spoons, knives, etc.

Illustration:

The event planner of the party I went to on last week Saturday used high-quality silverware for all its table settings.

Explanatory Note:

Silverware does not have a separate plural form. The word “silverware” is used for both singular and plural forms.

[54]. Slang

Meaning:

Slang means specialised, unique language to a particular profession, subject or social group.

Illustration:

His English is characterised by American slang.

[55]. Staff

Meaning:

Staff refers to the employees of a business or company.

Illustration:

ABC Company is set to employ 35 new members of staff this month.

Explanatory Note:

On the contrary, “staffs” (the plural form of ‘staff’) could be used when referring to ‘symbols of authority’ or ‘more than one group of staff’. E.g.

The king’s staff is missing.

The CEO and his staff are in the office.

The CEO and all his branches’ staffs are in the office.

[56]. Stationery

Meaning:

Stationery refers to writing materials, envelopes and office materials such as pens, pencils, books, erasers, etc.

Illustration:

After the last WAEC exam paper, Johnson threw all of his stationery away, as he no longer had any need for them.

[57]. Traffic

Meaning:

Traffic means the movement of pedestrians or vehicles or the flux of information thereof. 

Illustration:

During the rush hour, there’s always traffic in Lagos.

Explanatory Note:

The singular form of the verb “traffic” is ‘traffics’ and could also be used as a noun. Traffics (n.) refer to the illegal selling and buying of goods, often drugs. E.g., the terrorist leader traffics in drugs, arms and ammunition.

[58]. Trout

Meaning:

Trout can be described as any type of freshwater fish in Salmonidae, often found in rivers, streams and lakes, e.g., rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, etc.

Illustration:

Sister Rosemary grilled the trout with herbs and served it with a side salad.

Explanatory Note:

Trout has no distinct plural form when used as a noun in a sentence. Meanwhile, the singular form of the verb “trout” is ‘trouts’, which means “to slap with slimy”.

[59]. Underwear

Meaning:

Underwear signifies clothes worn next to the skin, under outer clothing, e.g., boxers, panties, bras, etc.

Illustration:

It’s not hygienic for women to wear dirty underwear.

Explanatory Note:

It’s wrong to say or write “underwears” as a plural form of ‘underwear’. “Underwear” is used as both the singular and plural form.

[60]. Vermin

Meaning:

Vermin refers to any one of the common forms of small animals (like rodents) or insects that used to cause harm and annoyance.

Illustration:

ABC Company puts all the necessary extensive pest control measures in place at the warehouse to prevent such significant losses experienced last year for their business.

[61]. Washing

Meaning:

Washing (n.) simply means laundry, i.e., a collection of clothes that have been, are currently being, or are to be washed. 

Illustration:

Mrs Lagbaja’s husband used to come home at weekends, bringing his washing with him.

Explanatory Note:

The continuous form of the verb “wash” is also ‘washing’, while “washings” imply different washing processes.

[62]. Water

Meaning:

Water is a substance present naturally as rain, which forms the lakes, rivers and seas. Its molecular formula is H2O.

Illustrations:

I need a glass of water.

Always give drinkable water to your chickens.

[63]. Weather

Meaning:

Weather simply refers to the state of the atmosphere at a particular place and specific time.

Illustration:

We will go for a walk when the weather is very cool.

Mastering all the above-explained non-pluralised or zero plural nouns that do not take plural markers, i.e., “s”, “es” or “ies”, will assist in writing and using correct English terminologies.

In a nutshell, it should also be noted that most of the nouns that do not take plural markers are considered to be “uncountable or mass nouns”, meaning they cannot be counted or pluralised and can be used to refer to one or the multiple.