Question

Select the correct plural form of the given singular noun:
We saw so many _ _ _ _ in the field. (buffalo)
a) Buffalo
b) Buffalo’s
c) Buffaloes
d) None of the above.

Answer 1

Hint:Buffalo is a heavily built wild ox with backswept horns. Plural of singular nouns is often formed by adding a suffix.

Complete answer:
 Let us look at the options given to us to find the correct plural form of the singular noun “buffalo”.
Option a “buffalo” is given to us in the brackets and the question mentions that it is the singular noun form. Thus, option ‘a’ is incorrect as there is no change in it.
Option b “buffalo’s” is used to show a close relation of something with buffalo. only an apostrophe (‘) and an -s has been added. It is not the plural form. Thus, option ‘b’ is incorrect. E.g., ‘The buffalo’s leg was stuck in a pot.’
The correct plural form of the singular noun ‘buffalo’ would be, ‘buffalo’ + ‘-es’ suffix. This is given to us in option c “buffaloes”, and is therefore the correct answer is option c.
“None of the above” is incorrect as we already found the correct answer in the given options, i.e. option c.

Note:
Do not confuse option c “buffalo’s” with buffaloes. Both are different. The former is a singular form of the noun.