Number (grammar)

Number (grammar)

Number is a characteristic of nouns, pronouns, and verbs. If a noun or pronoun refers to one person, thing, or idea, it is singular in number. If it refers to more than one, it is plural in number. Most English nouns end in s or es in their plural form.

Singular: The girl opened the box.
Plural: The girls opened the boxes.

Verbs should agree in number with their subjects.

Singular: Teresa checks the mail.
Plural: Teresa and James check the mail.


Pronouns and their antecedents should also agree in number.

Singular: She has her ticket.
Plural: They have their tickets.