Question

Form the plural form of the noun: calf.

a)Calves
b)Calvs
c)Calfs
d)Calfes

Answer 1

Hint: The word ‘calf’ changes its form in the plural noun.

Complete step by step answer:
The word ‘calf’ follows one of the rules of irregular plural nouns in English grammar. According to this rule, some of the words ending with the letter ‘f’ or ‘fe’ end with ‘ves’ when changed to their plural forms. So, the plural form of the word ‘calf’ becomes ‘calves’. Hence, option a is the correct option. Similar example is ‘scarf’ whose plural form is ‘scarves’.
The word ‘calves’ has been misspelt in option b and hence, it is an incorrect option.

The word ‘calf’ does not fall into the category of words which end with ‘f’ but their plural forms also end with ‘s’. For example, ‘chief’ whose plural noun is ‘chiefs’. Hence, option c is an incorrect option. Similarly, there is no rule in English grammar where for a singular word ending with ‘f’ the plural word ends with ‘es’ Therefore, option d is also an incorrect option.


Note: This word should not be confused with that rule of English grammar where the word ending with ‘f’ has a plural form ending with ‘s’. Therefore, options a and c should not be confused.