Choosing the Correct Plural Form of Compound Nouns in English

Compound nouns are formed by combining two or more words to create a new word with a specific meaning. When it comes to forming the plural of compound nouns, it is important to follow the rules of English grammar. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the correct way of forming the plural form of compound nouns:

1. When the compound noun is written as one word (e.g. firefighter), simply add an -s to the end of the word to form the plural. For example, firefighter becomes firefighters.
2. When the compound noun is written as two separate words (e.g. fire fighter), add an -s to the end of the second word to form the plural. In this case, fire fighter becomes fire fighters.
3. If the compound noun is hyphenated (e.g. fire-fighter), add an -s to the end of the second word to form the plural. Therefore, fire-fighter becomes fire-fighters.
4. Be careful not to change the spelling of the original words when forming the plural of compound nouns. For example, do not change fire to fires in the compound noun fire-fighter.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are using the correct plural form of compound nouns in English. Practice using these rules to improve your grammar skills and communicate effectively in written and spoken English.