Plural of Energy

by Craig Shrives

The Quick Answer

"Energy" is a mass noun. It has no plural form.

Be aware, however, that as well as meaning "power" in a general sense, the word "energy" can also relate to different types of power (e.g., a person's physical and mental powers). In such a context, the plural "energies" can be used.

The Plural of Energy

"Energy" is a mass noun. It has no plural form.
  • The Sun is the source of energy for life on Earth. correct tick
  • I merely took the energy it takes to pout and wrote some blues. (Duke Ellington) correct tick

"Energies" Is Possible but Rare

When "energy" relates to different types of power (e.g., a person's physical and mental powers), the plural form "energies" can be used.
  • The group functions well because it takes its motivation from different energies. correct tick
  • Training gives us an outlet for suppressed energies created by stress and thus tones the spirit just as exercise conditions the body. correct tick (Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger)

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The Standard Rules for Forming the Plurals

The table below shows the standard rules for forming the plurals of nouns in English.
Type Example of Type Forming the Plural Plural
Most Nouns cat
scythe		 add s cats
scythes
Noun Ending s, sh, ch, x or z bus
dress		 add es buses
dresses
Nouns ending [consonant] o mango
zero
tomato		 add either s or es
(There are no rules for this - you have to know.)		 mangoes or mangos
zeros
tomatoes
Nouns ending [vowel] o patio
ratio 		add s patios
ratios
Nouns ending [consonant] y story
penny
energy		 change the y to an i and add es stories
pennies
energies (uncommon)
Nouns ending [vowel] y storey (small British flag)
donkey 		add s storeys
donkeys
Mass nouns energy
rice 		some nouns do not have a plural form
 energy
rice
Nouns ending f or fe dwarf
knife 		ves and/or s
(There are no rules - you have to know.)		 dwarfs
knives
Exceptions goose
louse 		some nouns undergo a vowel or letters change geese
lice
More exceptions salmon
sheep 		some nouns do not change at all salmon
sheep
Read more about English spelling rules.

Why Is There Confusion over the Plural of Energy?

Confusion arises because, in its most common meaning, "energy" is a mass noun. A mass noun is a noun without a plural form. They refer to items that can't be counted (e.g., music, milk, chalk).

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See Also

Unusual pluralsPlural forming table Quirks with forming plurals Forming the plurals of abbreviations Forming the plurals of compound nouns