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Singular or plural? - French lesson

In this lesson, you will discover that some French nouns are always used in the singular, while others are traditionally used in the plural, depending on the expression.

Unfortunately, there is no single rule that works in every case. Many of these expressions simply have to be learned because they are part of standard French usage.

1. Nouns of material

When a noun refers to a material or substance, it is usually used in the singular, even when a large quantity is involved.

Examples:

un sac de ciment (a bag of cement)
des pelletées de sel (shovelfuls of salt)
un bijou en nacre (a piece of mother-of-pearl jewellery)
une bague en or (a gold ring)
une statue en marbre (a marble statue)

2. Fixed expressions with the plural

Some French expressions always use the plural, even if only one object is being discussed.

Examples:

une brosse à dents (a toothbrush)
un gilet sans manches (a sleeveless vest)
casser un mur à coups de marteau (to break down a wall with hammer blows)

These are fixed expressions that should be memorised.

3. Collections and groups

When a noun refers to a group or collection of individual things, the following noun is usually in the plural.

Examples:

un collier de perles (a pearl necklace)
une nuée de moustiques (a swarm of mosquitoes)
un bouquet de fleurs (a bouquet of flowers)



4. Species and materials

When the second noun identifies the species, plant, tree or material something comes from, French generally uses the singular.

Examples:

des feuilles de vigne (vine leaves)
une feuille de chêne (an oak leaf)
de l'huile d'olive (olive oil)
du bois de chêne (oak wood)


5. Abstract nouns

Abstract nouns expressing feelings, qualities or ideas are generally used in the singular when they refer to the idea as a whole.

Examples:

le cœur plein de joie (a heart full of joy)
rempli d'espoir (full of hope)
faire preuve de patience (to show patience)


Remember

When you are unsure whether a noun should be singular or plural, ask yourself:

Is it a material? → usually singular.
Is it a fixed expression? → learn the standard form.
Does it refer to several individual objects? → usually plural.
Does it describe a species or material of origin? → usually singular.
Is it an abstract idea or feeling? → usually singular.

As with many aspects of French vocabulary, the best way to master these expressions is through regular reading and practice.

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1. J'achète une brosse à dentdentsI don't know tous les mois.

2. Elle avait une jolie robe et un collier de perlesperleI don't know.

3. Le vent m'apporte des bouquets de parfumparfumsI don't know différents.

4. Il a acheté un fromage de chèvre enveloppé de feuilles de vignesvigneI don't know.

5. On voyait une nuée de moustiquesmoustiqueI don't know au-dessus de l'eau.

6. Il cassa le mur à coupscoupI don't know de marteau.

7. Le maçon portait un sac de cimentcimentsI don't know sur son dos.

8. Pour son anniversaire, son mari lui a offert un bijou en nacrenacresI don't know.

9. Nous partions le cœur plein de joiesjoieI don't know.

10. La neige fondait où l'on avait jeté des pelletées de selselsI don't know.

11. Il portait un gilet sans manchesmancheI don't know.