Many English nouns form their plurals by simply adding -s, while a smaller group ending in -f or -fe often change that ending to -ves. Usage, however, isn’t uniform: some nouns allow both forms, with preferences varying by dialect, meaning, or tradition (think dwarfs/dwarves and hoofs/hooves). This list gathers common examples you can learn at a glance. When two plurals are shown, the first is the more frequent in general use; the alternative is acceptable, sometimes in technical senses. Always check context, especially with words like scarf or turf, where the -ves form may sound formal or British.
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| dwarf | dwarfs/dwarves |
| handkerchief | handkerchiefs/handkerchieves |
| hoof | hoofs/hooves |
| scarf | scarfs/scarves |
| turf | turfs/turves |
| wharf | wharfs/wharves |
| calf | calves |
| half | halves |
| leaf | leaves |
| loaf | loaves |
| life | lives |
| knife | knives |
| wife | wives |
| wolf | wolves |
| shelf | shelves |
| self | selves |
| thief | thieves |
| sheaf | sheaves |
| staff | staffs/staves |
| belief | beliefs |
| chief | chiefs |
| proof | proofs |
| roof | roofs |
| reef | reefs |
| cliff | cliffs |
| gulf | gulfs |
| safe | safes |
| kerchief | kerchiefs/kerchieves |
