NUMBER

Number is a grammatical category that requires a noun to be understood grammatically as either singular or plural.

Singular relates to the quantity “one” for count nouns, to the unique referent for most proper nouns and to undifferentiated mass for uncountable nouns.

Plural relates to the quantity “two or more” for count nouns, to the unique referent for some proper nouns and to individual units that are seen as reflecting plural composition.

Classification of nouns according to Number (Randolph Quirk)

REGULAR SPELLING

Irregular spelling

Ordinarily Singular nouns. Noncount nouns,abstract nouns and proper

nouns are singular and invariable.

Nouns ending in –ics denoting subjects, sciences are usually invariable and treated as singular, however, some can be singular or plural when such words denote one´s knowledge of the subject.

Names of diseases

Names of some games ending in -s

Abstract adjective heads

Collective nouns: a collection of people or things considered together and spoken as a whole.

Summation plural or Binary nouns: denote tools, instruments and articles of dress consisting ot two equal parts which are joined together.

Pluralia Tantum or Aggregate nouns ending in –s, refer to entities comprising an indefinite number of parts.

Unmarked plural nouns: these nouns have no plural form but are used as plurals.

Personal adjective heads and nationalities adjectives take plural verb.

Summing it up