Plural of Reef
The Quick Answer
The plural of "reef" is "reefs."The Plural of Reef
The plural of "reef" is "reefs."- Reefs may be up to 261 feet below the surface.
- Often called "rainforests of the sea," shallow coral reefs form some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth.
Are You Good at Plurals?
Here's a quick test.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 | lamp scythe |
add s | lamps scythes |
Noun Ending s, sh, ch, x or z | bus dress |
add es | buses dresses |
Nouns ending [consonant] o | hero zero tomato |
add either s or es (There are no rules for this - you have to know.) |
heroes zeros tomatoes |
Nouns ending [vowel] o | patio ratio |
add s | patios ratios |
Nouns ending [consonant] y | story penny |
change the y to an i and add es | stories pennies |
Nouns ending [vowel] y | storey () donkey |
add s | storeys donkeys |
Nouns ending f or fe | life reef |
ves and/or s (There are no rules - you have to know.) |
lives reefs |
Exceptions | man louse |
some nouns undergo a vowel or letters change |
men lice |
More exceptions | salmon sheep |
some nouns do not change at all | salmon sheep |
Why Is There Confusion over the Plural of Reef?
There is confusion because the rule for forming plurals with nouns ending in "f" or "fe" isn't straightforward. Most nouns will drop the "f" or "fe" and gain a "ves." For example:- "Knife" becomes "knives."
- "Leaf" becomes "leaves."
- "Chief" becomes "chiefs."
- "Cliff" becomes "cliffs."
- "Scarf" becomes "scarfs" or "scarves."
- "Dwarf" becomes "dwarfs" or "dwarves."
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