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THE PARTS OF SPEECH [ ? ]
MISUSED ENGLISH WORDS
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Plural of Compound Nouns
Compound nouns create the plural number (a) by making the first part of the word plural; (b) by making the second part plural; or (c) by making both parts plural.
(First part is made plural.)
EX. My brother-in-law is skiing.
EX. My father-in-law gave his money to charity.
EX. I have a sister-in-law in Japan.
EX. The heir-at-law was in court.
EX. The general-in-chief was fired.
EX. The man-of-war Wabash is anchored at Charlestown, N.C.
EX. The maid-of-honor was beautiful.
EX. My brothers-in-law are skiing.
EX. My fathers-in-law gave their money to charity.
EX. My sisters-in-law were coming.
EX. The heirs-at-law were in court.
EX. The generals-in-chief were fired.
EX. The two men-of-war collided.
EX. The maids-of-honor wore pink.
(Second part is made plural.)
EX. Use one cupful of sugar, one teaspoonful of salt, and one teacupful of water.
EX. The attorney-general was late.
EX. The major-general is a relative of mine.
EX. Use two cupfuls of flour, three teaspoonfuls of baking powder, and two teacupfuls of milk.
EX. The attorney-generals arrived in time.
EX. The major-generals came at 6 p.m.
EX. I have one large desk.
EX. I have two small desks.
(Both parts are made plural.)
EX. My father is a fire fighter.
EX. They have one car.
EX. The fire fighters will have a parade.
EX. They have two cars.