Plurals: Changing -y to -ies
Learn the plural rule that turns -y into -ies, like baby to babies and fly to flies. A spelling lesson for ages 6-8 with word games and a quiz.
Key takeaways
- When a word ends in a consonant + y, change y to i and add -es
- baby becomes babies and fly becomes flies
- When a word ends in a vowel + y, just add -s: toy becomes toys
The -y to -ies rule
When we make a plural for a word ending in y, we look at the letter just before the y.
If a consonant comes before the y, we change the y to an i and add -es.
- one baby 👶 → two babies 👶👶
- one fly 🪰 → two flies 🪰🪰
- one puppy 🐶 → two puppies 🐶🐶
The y disappears and ies takes its place!
Words that change to -ies
Look at the letter before the y. It is a consonant, so we use -ies.
- party 🎉 → parties
- cherry 🍒 → cherries
- city 🏙️ → cities
- pony 🐴 → ponies
- story 📖 → stories
When y just adds -s
If a vowel (a, e, o, u) comes before the y, the y stays the same. Just add -s!
- toy 🧸 → toys
- key 🔑 → keys
- day ☀️ → days
- boy 🧒 → boys
A word list to read
| One | Letter before y | Many |
|---|---|---|
| baby 👶 | b (consonant) | babies |
| fly 🪰 | l (consonant) | flies |
| cherry 🍒 | r (consonant) | cherries |
| toy 🧸 | o (vowel) | toys |
| key 🔑 | e (vowel) | keys |
How to make the plural
- Look at the letter just before the y.
- Consonant before y → change y to i, add -es (baby → babies).
- Vowel before y → just add -s (toy → toys).
Well done!
Now you can make plurals for tricky y words. Check the letter before the y and choose!
Next, try Changing Y to I and Plurals: Adding -s and -es.
Quick quiz
Test yourself and earn XP
What is the plural of 'baby'?
Baby ends in consonant + y, so change y to i and add -es: babies. 👶👶
What is the plural of 'toy'?
Toy ends in vowel + y, so just add -s: toys. 🧸🧸
What is the plural of 'cherry'?
Cherry ends in consonant + y, so change y to i and add -es: cherries. 🍒🍒
Play & learn
Match one to many +10 XP
Completed ✓ +10 XP
Plural cards +5 XP
Completed ✓ +5 XP
FAQ
When a word ends in a consonant + y, change the y to i and add -es, so baby becomes babies and fly becomes flies.
When a word ends in a vowel + y (like a, e, o or u before the y), just add -s, so toy becomes toys and key becomes keys.
Keep exploring
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