Welcome to the final and most challenging test in our Singular to Plural series at Objective English! You have mastered the basics in our first 100 MCQs and tackled advanced questions in our second practice set. Now, it’s time to prove your expertise.
Challenging Singular Plural MCQs:This post is designed as a definitive test for serious aspirants of SSC CGL, IBPS PO Mains, CAT, and CDS. It features 100 new, expert-level questions focusing on obscure rules, deceptive exceptions, rare foreign plurals, and complex compound nouns—the very areas where most candidates make errors. If you can score high on this test, you are truly prepared for anything the exam throws at you.
Let’s begin the final challenge!
Quick Navigation: Final Test Sections
Part 1: Rules with Deceptive Exceptions (Questions 1-20)
This section features nouns that seem to follow a standard rule but have a hidden exception.
Q1. The plural of ‘Emu’ is:
(General Vocabulary)
A) Emus
B) Emi
C) Emu
D) Emues
Answer & Explanation: A) Emus
Nouns ending in ‘-u’ typically form their plural by simply adding ‘-s’.
Q2. Choose the correct plural for ‘Proviso’ (a condition).
(Legal/Official Terminology)
A) Provisi
B) Provisoes
C) Provisos
D) Both B and C
Answer & Explanation: D) Both B and C
Both the standard ‘-oes’ and the simpler ‘-os’ forms are accepted plurals for ‘proviso’.
Q3. The plural of ‘Locus’ is:
(Maths/Geometry Terminology)
A) Locuses
B) Loci
C) Locus
D) Both A and B
Answer & Explanation: B) Loci
While ‘locuses’ is sometimes seen, the correct and standard plural form in mathematics is the Latin ‘loci’.
Q4. What is the plural of ‘Torpedo’?
(Defence/Navy Exam)
A) Torpedos
B) Torpedoes
C) Torpedi
D) Torpedo
Answer & Explanation: B) Torpedoes
Follows the standard rule for nouns ending in a consonant + ‘o’ by adding ‘-es’.
Q5. The correct plural for ‘Halo’ is:
(SSC CGL)
A) Halos
B) Haloes
C) Haloi
D) Both A and B
Answer & Explanation: D) Both A and B
Both forms are correct, with ‘halos’ being the more modern and common spelling.
Q6. Choose the plural of ‘Rhino’.
(CDS Exam)
A) Rhinos
B) Rhinoes
C) Rhinoceri
D) All of the above
Answer & Explanation: A) Rhinos
‘Rhino’ is a clipped form of ‘rhinoceros’, so it takes a simple ‘-s’. The plural of ‘rhinoceros’ can be ‘rhinoceroses’ or ‘rhinoceri’.
Q7. What is the plural form of ‘Cameo’?
(Film/Art Terminology)
A) Cameos
B) Cameoes
C) Camei
D) Cameo
Answer & Explanation: A) Cameos
Words ending in a vowel + ‘o’ (e-o) form their plural by just adding ‘-s’.
Q8. Find the plural of ‘Fiasco’.
(CAT Verbal Ability)
A) Fiasci
B) Fiascos
C) Fiascoes
D) Fiasco
Answer & Explanation: B) Fiascos
Though it ends in ‘-o’, it is an exception that takes only ‘-s’.
Q9. The plural of ‘Eskimo’ is:
(Geography/General Knowledge)
A) Eskimoes
B) Eskimos
C) Eskimi
D) Both A and B
Answer & Explanation: D) Both A and B
Both ‘Eskimos’ and ‘Eskimoes’ are considered correct plural forms.
Q10. What is the plural of ‘Igloo’?
(General Vocabulary)
A) Igloos
B) Igloox
C) Iglooi
D) Igloen
Answer & Explanation: A) Igloos
Ends in a vowel + ‘o’ (o-o), so it takes ‘-s’.
Q11. The plural of ‘Armadillo’ is:
(Biology/Zoology)
A) Armadilloes
B) Armadillos
C) Armadilli
D) Armadillo
Answer & Explanation: B) Armadillos
Generally takes a simple ‘-s’ plural ending.
Q12. Plural of ‘Canto’ is:
(Literary Terminology)
A) Canti
B) Cantoes
C) Cantos
D) Canto
Answer & Explanation: C) Cantos
Another word of foreign origin that takes a regular ‘-s’.
Q13. Find the plural for ‘Memento’.
(IBPS PO)
A) Mementos
B) Mementoes
C) Mementa
D) Both A and B
Answer & Explanation: D) Both A and B
Both plural forms are correct, with ‘mementos’ being more prevalent.
Q14. What is the plural of ‘Tattoo’?
(General Vocabulary)
A) Tattoos
B) Tattooes
C) Tattooi
D) Tattoo
Answer & Explanation: A) Tattoos
Words ending in ‘oo’ simply take an ‘-s’ for the plural form.
Q15. The plural of ‘Archipelago’ is:
(CDS Exam – Geography)
A) Archipelagoes
B) Archipelagos
C) Archipelagi
D) Both A and B
Answer & Explanation: D) Both A and B
Both spellings are correct and widely used.
Q16. The plural of ‘Cargo’ is:
(Transport/Shipping Term)
A) Cargos
B) Cargoes
C) Cargi
D) Both A and B
Answer & Explanation: D) Both A and B
Both forms are correct. ‘Cargoes’ is more traditional.
Q17. The plural of ‘Tuxedo’ is:
(SSC CGL)
A) Tuxedos
B) Tuxedoes
C) Tuxedi
D) Tuxedo
Answer & Explanation: A) Tuxedos
The more common plural is the one with just an ‘-s’.
Q18. Plural of ‘Hippopotamus’ is:
(Biology Olympiad)
A) Hippopotamuses
B) Hippopotami
C) Hippopotamus
D) Both A and B
Answer & Explanation: D) Both A and B
The English plural ‘hippopotamuses’ is most common. The Latin ‘hippopotami’ is also used.
Q19. Plural form of ‘Patio’ is:
(General Vocabulary)
A) Patios
B) Patioes
C) Patoi
D) Patien
Answer & Explanation: A) Patios
Ends in a vowel + ‘o’, so it takes a simple ‘-s’.
Q20. Plural of ‘Quarto’ (a size of a book) is:
(Publishing/Literary Term)
A) Quartoi
B) Quartos
C) Quartoes
D) Quarti
Answer & Explanation: B) Quartos
A word of Italian/Latin origin that takes a standard ‘-s’.
Part 2: Complex Nouns ending in -O, -F/FE, -Y (Questions 21-40)
This section explores some of the most confusing exceptions and choices for these common endings.
Q21. The plural of ‘Strife’ is:
(Advanced Vocabulary)
A) Strifes
B) Strives
C) Striven
D) Strife
Answer & Explanation: A) Strifes
This is an important exception to the ‘-fe’ to ‘-ves’ rule. It only adds ‘-s’.
Q22. Find the plural for ‘Proof’.
(SSC CPO)
A) Prooves
B) Proofs
C) Proovs
D) Proof
Answer & Explanation: B) Proofs
Another common exception where we add ‘-s’ instead of changing ‘-f’ to ‘-ves’.
Q23. Choose the plural of ‘Oaf’.
(General Vocabulary)
A) Oaves
B) Oafs
C) Oafen
D) Oaf
Answer & Explanation: B) Oafs
An exception to the ‘-f’ rule, it takes only ‘-s’.
Q24. What is the plural of ‘Chutney’?
(Food/Cuisine Vocabulary)
A) Chutnies
B) Chutneys
C) Chutnees
D) Chutney
Answer & Explanation: B) Chutneys
Ends in a vowel + ‘y’ (e-y), so it simply adds ‘-s’.
Q25. The plural of ‘Giraffe’ is:
(CDS Exam)
A) Giraves
B) Giraffes
C) Giraffi
D) Giraffe
Answer & Explanation: B) Giraffes
An exception to the ‘-fe’ rule; it just adds ‘-s’.
Q26. What is the plural of ‘Trolley’?
(Common Word)
A) Trolleys
B) Trollies
C) Trolley
D) Trollen
Answer & Explanation: A) Trolleys
Ending in a vowel + ‘y’, it adds ‘-s’.
Q27. The plural form of ‘Serf’ is:
(History-based Vocabulary)
A) Serves
B) Serfs
C) Serven
D) Serf
Answer & Explanation: B) Serfs
One more exception to the ‘-f’ rule; just add ‘-s’.
Q28. Find the plural of ‘Journey’.
(IBPS Clerk)
A) Journies
B) Journeies
C) Journeys
D) Journey
Answer & Explanation: C) Journeys
Vowel + ‘y’ ending simply adds ‘-s’.
Q29. What is the plural of ‘Ferry’?
(SSC CHSL)
A) Ferrys
B) Ferries
C) Ferry
D) Ferrice
Answer & Explanation: B) Ferries
Ending in a consonant + ‘y’ (r-y), the ‘y’ changes to ‘ies’.
Q30. The plural of ‘Money’ is:
(Tricky Case – Uncountable Noun)
A) Monies
B) Moneys
C) Money
D) Both A and B are acceptable for ‘sums of money’
Answer & Explanation: D) Both A and B are acceptable for ‘sums of money’
‘Money’ is generally uncountable. However, when referring to different sums of money from different sources, ‘moneys’ or the more formal ‘monies’ can be used.
Q31. Choose the plural for ‘Beef’.
(Food Terminology)
A) Beeves
B) Beefs
C) Beef
D) Both B and A
Answer & Explanation: D) Both B and A
Usually uncountable. But ‘beeves’ is an archaic plural for cattle, and ‘beefs’ can mean types of beef or complaints.
Q32. The plural of ‘Valley’ is:
(Geography Term)
A) Vallies
B) Valleys
C) Valley
D) Vallice
Answer & Explanation: B) Valleys
Ends in vowel + ‘y’ (e-y), so it takes ‘-s’.
Q33. Find the plural for ‘Gulf’.
(NDA Exam)
A) Gulves
B) Gulf
C) Gulfs
D) Gulfen
Answer & Explanation: C) Gulfs
An exception to the ‘-f’ to ‘-ves’ rule. It simply adds ‘-s’.
Q34. What is the plural of ‘Whiff’?
(General Vocabulary)
A) Whiffs
B) Whives
C) Whiff
D) Both A and B
Answer & Explanation: A) Whiffs
This is a standard noun that simply takes ‘-s’.
Q35. Plural form of ‘Puff’ is:
(Basic English)
A) Puffs
B) Puves
C) Puff
D) Puffen
Answer & Explanation: A) Puffs
Simply adds ‘-s’.
Q36. Choose the plural of ‘Trophy’.
(Sports Terminology)
A) Trophys
B) Trophies
C) Trophy
D) Trophen
Answer & Explanation: B) Trophies
Ends in a consonant + ‘y’ (h-y), so the ‘-y’ becomes ‘-ies’.
Q37. The plural of ‘Reef’ is:
(SSC CGL Tier II)
A) Reeves
B) Reefs
C) Reef
D) Reeven
Answer & Explanation: B) Reefs
Another common exception that takes ‘-s’.
Q38. What is the plural of ‘Turf’?
(Common Vocabulary)
A) Turves
B) Turfs
C) Both A and B are correct
D) Turf
Answer & Explanation: C) Both A and B are correct
‘Turfs’ is more common, especially when referring to territories or horse racing tracks. ‘Turves’ is an older, but still correct, plural.
Q39. Find the plural of ‘Osprey’.
(Ornithology)
A) Ospries
B) Ospreys
C) Ospren
D) Osprey
Answer & Explanation: B) Ospreys
The ‘-ey’ ending means it follows the vowel + ‘y’ rule, simply adding ‘-s’.
Q40. Plural of ‘Concerto’ is:
(Music Terminology)
A) Concertos
B) Concerti
C) Both A and B are correct
D) Concerto
Answer & Explanation: C) Both A and B are correct
‘Concerti’ is the original Italian plural, used in formal music contexts. ‘Concertos’ is the more common English plural.
Part 3: Rare & Archaic Irregular Plurals (Questions 41-60)
This section explores some rarely seen or historical plurals that sometimes appear in high-level exams.
Q41. What is the plural of ‘Woodlouse’?
(Zoology)
A) Woodlouses
B) Woodlouse
C) Woodlice
D) Woods-lice
Answer & Explanation: C) Woodlice
A compound noun that pluralizes its second part irregularly, just like ‘louse’ becomes ‘lice’.
Q42. Choose the plural of ‘Die’ (for coining money or stamping).
(CAT Exam Level)
A) Dice
B) Dies
C) Die
D) Diez
Answer & Explanation: B) Dies
This is a critical distinction. The plural of ‘die’ for gaming is ‘dice’. The plural of ‘die’ used for stamping or coining is ‘dies’.
Q43. The plural of ‘Ottoman’ is:
(History-based)
A) Ottomen
B) Ottomans
C) Ottoma
D) Ottoman
Answer & Explanation: B) Ottomans
This is not a compound with ‘man’. It is a proper noun that takes a regular ‘-s’.
Q44. What is the plural of ‘Tittlemouse’ (a type of small bird)?
(Ornithology/Advanced Vocabulary)
A) Tittlemouses
B) Tittlemice
C) Tittlemouse
D) Tittlemeese
Answer & Explanation: B) Tittlemice
Like ‘dormouse’ and ‘woodlouse’, it follows the plural pattern of ‘mouse’ -> ‘mice’.
Q45. The plural for ‘Plateau’ is:
(Geography Term from French)
A) Plateaux
B) Plateaus
C) Plateax
D) Both A and B
Answer & Explanation: D) Both A and B
The French plural is ‘plateaux’, while the English plural is ‘plateaus’. Both are widely accepted.
Q46. Choose the plural of ‘Man-eater’.
(Zoology)
A) Men-eater
B) Man-eaters
C) Men-eaters
D) Man-eater
Answer & Explanation: B) Man-eaters
Here ‘man’ acts as an adjective describing the type of eater. The main noun ‘eater’ is pluralized.
Q47. The plural form of ‘Roman’ is:
(History/General Knowledge)
A) Roman
B) Romen
C) Romens
D) Romans
Answer & Explanation: D) Romans
Like ‘German’, the ‘-man’ is part of the word and it takes a regular ‘-s’.
Q48. The plural of ‘Genie’ is:
(Mythology/Literature)
A) Genii
B) Genies
C) Genie
D) Both A and B
Answer & Explanation: D) Both A and B
‘Genies’ is the common plural. ‘Genii’ is an older, accepted plural, often used to refer to spirits in Roman mythology.
Q49. What is the plural of ‘Cayman’ (the islands or the reptile)?
(Geography)
A) Caymen
B) Caymans
C) Cayman
D) Caymanis
Answer & Explanation: B) Caymans
Not a compound with ‘man’. It takes a regular ‘-s’.
Q50. Find the plural of ‘Jack-o’-lantern’.
(Cultural Vocabulary)
A) Jacks-o’-lantern
B) Jack-o’-lanterns
C) Jacks-o’-lanterns
D) Jack-os’-lantern
Answer & Explanation: B) Jack-o’-lanterns
In these types of compounds, the plural ‘-s’ is added at the very end.
Q51. The plural form of ‘Virtuoso’ is:
(Music/Arts Terminology)
A) Virtuosos
B) Virtuosi
C) Virtuose
D) Both A and B
Answer & Explanation: D) Both A and B
‘Virtuosi’ is the traditional Italian plural for multiple master musicians. ‘Virtuosos’ is the anglicized plural.
Q52. Choose the plural of ‘Octavo’ (a size of book).
(Literary Terminology)
A) Octavos
B) Octavoes
C) Octavi
D) Octavo
Answer & Explanation: A) Octavos
Takes a simple ‘-s’.
Q53. The plural of ‘Cadenza’ (an ornamental passage) is:
(Music Theory)
A) Cadenzas
B) Cadenze
C) Cadenza
D) Cadenzae
Answer & Explanation: A) Cadenzas
A regular English plural form.
Q54. The plural form of ‘Idyll’ is:
(Literary Vocabulary)
A) Idylls
B) Idyllice
C) Idylly
D) Idyll
Answer & Explanation: A) Idylls
Takes a standard ‘-s’ plural.
Q55. The plural of ‘Ombudsman’ is:
(Political Science)
A) Ombudsmen
B) Ombudsmans
C) Ombudsma
D) Ombudsman
Answer & Explanation: A) Ombudsmen
A rare modern compound word ending in ‘-man’ that still follows the irregular ‘men’ plural.
Q56. What is the plural of ‘Walkman’? (brand name as a generic term)
(Cultural/Historical Term)
A) Walkmen
B) Walkmans
C) Walkman
D) Walksman
Answer & Explanation: B) Walkmans
Because it is a brand name and the ‘man’ is not the separate word for a person, it takes a standard ‘-s’.
Q57. The plural form of ‘Poppycock’ (nonsense) is:
(Advanced Vocabulary)
A) Poppycocks
B) Poppiescock
C) Poppycockies
D) No plural form exists
Answer & Explanation: D) No plural form exists
‘Poppycock’ is an uncountable noun, like ‘information’ or ‘scenery’.
Q58. Find the plural of ‘Tete-a-tete’ (a private conversation).
(French Origin)
A) Tetes-a-tetes
B) Tete-a-tetes
C) Tetes-a-tete
D) Tete-a-tete
Answer & Explanation: B) Tete-a-tetes
The plural ‘-s’ is added to the end of the entire phrase.
Q59. The plural of ‘cow’ is ‘cows’. The archaic/poetic plural is:
(Literary Vocabulary)
A) Kine
B) Coen
C) Cowen
D) Kineen
Answer & Explanation: A) Kine
‘Kine’ is an old, archaic plural of ‘cow’, similar to ‘oxen’ for ‘ox’.
Q60. What is the plural of ‘You’?
(Pronoun Test)
A) Ye
B) Yous
C) You
D) Thee
Answer & Explanation: C) You
In modern English, ‘you’ serves as both the singular and plural second-person pronoun.
Part 4: Obscure Foreign Plurals (Questions 61-80)
This is expert territory. These are less common foreign plurals that distinguish a 99th percentile scorer.
Q61. The plural of ‘Stigma’ (mark of disgrace, botanical term) is:
(Advanced Vocabulary)
A) Stigmas
B) Stigmata
C) Stigmi
D) Both A and B
Answer & Explanation: D) Both A and B
‘Stigmas’ is the standard English plural. ‘Stigmata’ is the Greek plural, often used in religious or botanical contexts.
Q62. What is the plural form of ‘Nebula’?
(Astronomy Term)
A) Nebulas
B) Nebulae
C) Nebuli
D) Both A and B
Answer & Explanation: D) Both A and B
The Latin plural is ‘nebulae’, and the English plural is ‘nebulas’. Both are correct.
Q63. Find the plural of ‘Apex’.
(Maths/General Vocabulary)
A) Apexes
B) Apices
C) Apeces
D) Both A and B
Answer & Explanation: D) Both A and B
‘Apexes’ is the common plural. ‘Apices’ is the traditional Latin plural.
Q64. The plural of ‘Vortex’ is:
(Physics/General Vocabulary)
A) Vortexes
B) Vortices
C) Vortex
D) Both A and B
Answer & Explanation: D) Both A and B
The English plural is ‘vortexes’, and the Latin plural is ‘vortices’.
Q65. The plural of ‘Nucleus’ is:
(SSC CGL – Science)
A) Nucleuses
B) Nuclei
C) Nuclea
D) Nucleus
Answer & Explanation: B) Nuclei
A standard Latin plural where ‘-us’ changes to ‘-i’.
Q66. Choose the plural for ‘Opus’ (a musical or literary work).
(CAT Exam Level)
A) Opi
B) Opuses
C) Opera
D) Both B and C
Answer & Explanation: C) Opera
A very tricky one! The plural of ‘opus’ is ‘opera’. The word ‘opuses’ is also used but less formally. ‘Opera’ (the musical form) itself comes from this plural.
Q67. What is the plural of ‘Viscus’ (an internal organ)?
(Medical Terminology)
A) Viscera
B) Visci
C) Viscuses
D) Viscus
Answer & Explanation: A) Viscera
A Latin noun where ‘-us’ changes to ‘-era’ in the plural, like ‘genus’ -> ‘genera’.
Q68. The plural form of ‘Matrix’ is most correctly written in a math context as:
(Maths Terminology)
A) Matrixes
B) Matrix
C) Matrices
D) Matri
Answer & Explanation: C) Matrices
In scientific and mathematical contexts, the Latin plural ‘matrices’ is strongly preferred over ‘matrixes’.
Q69. Find the plural of ‘Abacus’.
(General Knowledge)
A) Abacuses
B) Abaci
C) Abaca
D) Both A and B
Answer & Explanation: A) Abacuses
While ‘abaci’ might seem correct based on Latin rules, the standard, accepted plural in English is ‘abacuses’.
Q70. Choose the plural for ‘Aquarium’.
(General Vocabulary)
A) Aquaria
B) Aquariums
C) Aquarii
D) Both A and B
Answer & Explanation: D) Both A and B
Both the Latin ‘aquaria’ and the English ‘aquariums’ are correct.
Q71. What is the plural of ‘Tableau’ (a scene or picture)?
(French Origin)
A) Tableaus
B) Tableaux
C) Tableax
D) Both A and B
Answer & Explanation: D) Both A and B
‘Tableaux’ is the French plural, while ‘tableaus’ is the anglicized plural.
Q72. The plural of ‘Scholium’ (a marginal note) is:
(Literary/Academic Term)
A) Scholia
B) Scholiums
C) Scholi
D) Both A and B
Answer & Explanation: D) Both A and B
Both the Latin plural ‘scholia’ and English ‘scholiums’ are accepted.
Q73. Find the correct plural for ‘Libretto’.
(Music Vocabulary)
A) Librettos
B) Libretti
C) Librettoes
D) Both A and B
Answer & Explanation: D) Both A and B
The Italian plural is ‘libretti’, and the English is ‘librettos’.
Q74. What is the plural of ‘Dogma’?
(Philosophy/Theology)
A) Dogmata
B) Dogmas
C) Dogmae
D) Both A and B
Answer & Explanation: D) Both A and B
The Greek plural is ‘dogmata’, and the English is ‘dogmas’.
Q75. The plural of ‘Hippocampus’ (part of the brain) is:
(Medical/Biology)
A) Hippocampuses
B) Hippocampi
C) Both A and B are correct
D) Hippocampa
Answer & Explanation: C) Both A and B are correct
Both plurals are accepted in medical and scientific writing.
Q76. Plural of ‘Gymnasium’ is:
(General Vocabulary)
A) Gymnasia
B) Gymnasiums
C) Gymnasi
D) Both A and B
Answer & Explanation: D) Both A and B
Both are correct plurals, with ‘gymnasiums’ being more common in everyday speech.
Q77. Plural of ‘Minimum’ is:
(Maths Terminology)
A) Minima
B) Minimums
C) Minimi
D) Both A and B
Answer & Explanation: D) Both A and B
Both forms are correct.
Q78. Plural of ‘Maximum’ is:
(Maths Terminology)
A) Maxima
B) Maximums
C) Maximi
D) Both A and B
Answer & Explanation: D) Both A and B
Both forms are correct.
Q79. Plural of ‘Sanatorium’ is:
(Medical Term)
A) Sanatoriums
B) Sanatoria
C) Sanatori
D) Both A and B
Answer & Explanation: D) Both A and B
Both the Latin and English plurals are correct.
Q80. Plural of ‘Radix’ (root, especially in maths) is:
(Advanced Maths Term)
A) Radixes
B) Radices
C) Radix
D) Radici
Answer & Explanation: B) Radices
A pure Latin plural where ‘-ix’ becomes ‘-ices’.
Part 5: Confusing Compounds & Uncountable Nouns (Questions 81-100)
The final hurdle: nouns that don’t have a plural, those that look plural but are singular, and complex compound nouns.
Q81. The plural of ‘Poetry’ is:
(Error Spotting Favourite)
A) Poetrys
B) Poetries
C) Poetry
D) Poetra
Answer & Explanation: C) Poetry
‘Poetry’ is an uncountable noun referring to the art form or body of work. It has no plural.
Q82. What is the plural of ‘Notary public’?
(Legal Terminology)
A) Notary publics
B) Notaries public
C) Notaries publics
D) Notary public
Answer & Explanation: B) Notaries public
The main noun (‘Notary’) is pluralized, and the adjective (‘public’) remains singular.
Q83. Find the plural of ‘aide-de-camp’ (a military assistant).
(Defence Exam Vocabulary)
A) aide-de-camps
B) aides-de-camps
C) aides-de-camp
D) aide-de-camp
Answer & Explanation: C) aides-de-camp
The principal word in this French phrase is ‘aide’ (assistant), which is pluralized.
Q84. The plural of ‘Baggage’ is:
(Travel Vocabulary)
A) Baggages
B) Baggage
C) Baggagi
D) Baggs-age
Answer & Explanation: B) Baggage
‘Baggage’ is an uncountable noun. You can have ‘pieces of baggage’, but not ‘baggages’.
Q85. Choose the plural for ‘Breakdown’.
(General Vocabulary)
A) Breaksdown
B) Breakdown
C) Breakdowns
D) Brokendown
Answer & Explanation: C) Breakdowns
A compound word that takes a regular ‘-s’ at the end.
Q86. What is the plural of ‘corps’ (a military unit)?
(Defence Exams)
A) corps’
B) corpses
C) corps
D) corpi
Answer & Explanation: C) corps
This is a French-origin word that is spelled the same in singular and plural. The pronunciation changes: sing. ‘core’, pl. ‘cores’. ‘Corpses’ is the plural of ‘corpse’ (a dead body).
Q87. The plural form of ‘son of a bitch’ is:
(Informal/Advanced Idiomatic)
A) son of a bitches
B) sons of a bitches
C) sons of bitches
D) son of bitches
Answer & Explanation: C) sons of bitches
The principal word ‘son’ is pluralized.
Q88. What is the plural of ‘bill of fare’ (a menu)?
(Hotel Management Exam)
A) bills of fare
B) bill of fares
C) bills of fares
D) bill of fare
Answer & Explanation: A) bills of fare
The main noun, ‘bill’, is pluralized.
Q89. What is the plural of ‘Furniture’?
(Common Error Spotting)
A) Furnitures
B) Furniture
C) Furnituri
D) Furniturae
Answer & Explanation: B) Furniture
An uncountable noun with no plural form. We talk about ‘pieces of furniture’.
Q90. The plural of ‘Knight Templar’ is:
(History Term)
A) Knight Templars
B) Knights Templar
C) Knights Templars
D) Knight Templar
Answer & Explanation: B) Knights Templar
The noun ‘Knight’ is pluralized, while ‘Templar’ acts as a descriptor.
Q91. Find the plural for ‘check-in’.
(Travel/Aviation Term)
A) checks-in
B) check-ins
C) checked-in
D) check-in
Answer & Explanation: B) check-ins
Plural ‘-s’ is added at the end of the phrase.
Q92. What is the plural of ‘Cod’ (the fish)?
(Biology/Fishing Terminology)
A) Cods
B) Cod
C) Coden
D) Both A and B
Answer & Explanation: D) Both A and B
‘Cod’ is the most common plural. ‘Cods’ is also used, particularly to refer to different types of cod.
Q93. The plural of ‘Information’ is:
(Very Common Error)
A) Informations
B) Informati
C) Information
D) Informa
Answer & Explanation: C) Information
‘Information’ is a classic uncountable noun and has no plural form.
Q94. The plural form of ‘Sergeant-at-arms’ is:
(Parliamentary Term)
A) Sergeant-at-armses
B) Sergeants-at-arms
C) Sergeant-ats-arms
D) Sergeants-at-armses
Answer & Explanation: B) Sergeants-at-arms
The principal noun, ‘Sergeant’, is made plural.
Q95. The plural of ‘Lieutenant Colonel’ is:
(Defence Exam Rank)
A) Lieutenants Colonel
B) Lieutenant Colonels
C) Lieutenants Colonels
D) Lieutenant Colonel
Answer & Explanation: B) Lieutenant Colonels
The main rank, ‘Colonel’, is pluralized.
Q96. What is the plural of ‘Grouse’ (the bird)?
(Ornithology)
A) Grouses
B) Grice
C) Grouse
D) Gree
Answer & Explanation: C) Grouse
Like ‘deer’ and ‘sheep’, the plural of grouse is grouse.
Q97. The plural form of ‘Billiards’ (the game) is:
(Special Case)
A) Billiardses
B) Billiard
C) No plural, it’s always singular
D) Billiardi
Answer & Explanation: C) No plural, it’s always singular
‘Billiards’ looks plural but is the singular name of a game. Other examples: ‘measles’, ‘mumps’, ‘news’.
Q98. Find the plural of ‘will-o’-the-wisp’.
(Folklore/Literary Term)
A) wills-o’-the-wisp
B) will-o’-the-wisps
C) wills-o’-the-wisps
D) will-o’-the-wisp
Answer & Explanation: B) will-o’-the-wisps
The pluralization happens at the very end of this complex idiomatic noun.
Q99. The plural of ‘Luggage’ is:
(Error Spotting)
A) Luggages
B) Luggage
C) Luggi
D) Luggagees
Answer & Explanation: B) Luggage
Like ‘baggage’ and ‘furniture’, ‘luggage’ is an uncountable noun with no plural form.
Q100. The plural of ‘madam’ is:
(French Origin Word)
A) madams
B) mesdames
C) madam
D) madames
Answer & Explanation: B) mesdames
‘Mesdames’ (pronounced ‘mey-dam’) is the correct, though formal, plural of ‘madam’. ‘Madams’ is sometimes used informally but is less correct.
Conclusion: You’ve Mastered Noun Plurals!
An outstanding effort! If you have diligently worked through all three sets—that’s 300 unique MCQs—on Singular and Plural Nouns, you have built an exceptionally strong foundation that will serve you well in any competitive exam.
This final test was designed to push your limits by covering:
- Deceptive exceptions to common rules.
- Rare, archaic, and literary plurals.
- Highly confusing plurals of foreign origin.
- Complex compound nouns and uncountable nouns frequently used in error spotting.
You are now equipped to handle even the trickiest questions on this topic. In our next series, we will move on to another critical area of English Grammar to continue building your skills. Thank you for your dedication, and good luck!