As a language expert with a deep understanding of English grammar and vocabulary, I am well-equipped to discuss the nuances of irregular nouns. Irregular nouns are those that do not follow the standard rules for forming plurals in English. Instead of simply adding an 's' or 'es' to the end of a word, irregular nouns change in more complex ways, often involving internal vowel changes, complete word changes, or the addition of a different ending. Here are some examples and explanations to illustrate the different types of irregular plurals:
1. Change the vowel: This type of irregularity involves altering the vowel within the word to create the plural form.
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Man becomes
men -
Foot becomes
feet -
Tooth becomes
teeth -
Goose becomes
geese2. **Change the word or Add a different ending**: In this case, the plural form is a completely different word, or it involves adding a different ending that is not 's' or 'es'.
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Child becomes
children -
Person becomes
people -
Mouse becomes
mice -
Ox becomes
oxen3. Unchanging: These nouns have the same form in both singular and plural, which can sometimes lead to confusion.
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Sheep remains
sheep in both singular and plural
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Deer remains
deer -
Fish can be both singular and plural; however, when referring to more than one species or multiple individuals of the same species, it is often paired with a different word like "a variety of fish" or "several fish".
It's important to note that irregular plurals can be challenging for learners of English because they must be memorized and do not follow the predictable patterns of regular plurals. Additionally, the use of irregular plurals can vary in different dialects of English, and some words may have more than one accepted plural form.
Learning these irregular forms often comes with exposure and practice. Reading widely, listening to native speakers, and engaging in conversation can all help to reinforce the correct usage of irregular nouns in context.
Now, let's move on to the translation of the above explanation into Chinese.
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