Singular and Plural Tips in OET
In English, to change a singular into a plural is not a difficult thing. But, in medical English, you need to know some basic rules.
Generally, in English, a plural is formed by adding “S” to the ending of the word.
For example:
- Nurse - Nurses
- Doctor - Doctors
- Patient - Patients
- Drug - Drugs
- Medicine - Medicines
However, there are some exceptions to this common rule.
Medical words (Greek and Latin Origin)
Words that end in -ch, -sm -sh, -o (some nouns) are made plural by adding -es.
Remember, medical terms are derived from either Latin or Greek. These words or terms do not follow the same rules (as we have to covert a singular into a plural).
Consider a few examples
These are the words that end on “a” and they can be converted into a plural by adding “e.”
- Scapula - Scapulae
- Vertebra - Vertebrae
- Petechia - Petechiae
- Conjunctiva - Conjunctivae
- Pleura - Pleurae
- Axilla - Axillae
If the word ends in “ax” then the plural can be formed by adding “ces”. And you will have to eliminate “x” as well.
For example:
- Pneumothorax - Pneumothoraces
- Thorax - Thoraces
Words that end in “us” can be converted into their plural forms by adding “i” at the end. And remember, you will have to drop “us”
Example:
- Alveolus - Alveoli
- Bronchus - Bronchi
- Calculus - Calculi
- Thrombus - Thrombi
- Embolus - Emboli
- Bacillus - Bacilli
Words that end “ix” can be converted into plurals by adding “ces.” But, you will have to remove “x”
- Appendix - Appendices
- Cervix - Cervices
Words that end in “ma” should be changed into a plural by adding “ta”. But, remember, you do not have to remove “ma”
Check out these examples
- Fibroma - Fibromata
- Sarcoma - Sarcomata
Words that end in “on” will take “a” at the end. And you will have to drop “on.”
For example:
- Spermatozoon - Spermatozoa
- Ganglion - Ganglia
But the words that end in “ex” can be converted into plurals by removing the “ex” and adding “ices” at the end.
Example
- Apex - Apices
- Cortex - Cortices
- Vortex - Vortices
Words that end on “is” can be converted into a plural by dropping “is” and adding “es.” such as
- Anastomosis - Anastomoses
- Diagnosis - Diagnoses
- Metastasis - Metastases
- Prosthesis - Prostheses
Words that end in “um” will take “a” at the end. You will have to drop “um”
- Atrium - Atria
- Diverticulum - Diverticula
- Bacterium - Bacteria
- Ovum - Ova
Words that end in “y” can be changed into plural form by adding “ies” at the end. You will have to drop the “y.”
- Biopsy - Biopsies
- Therapy - Therapies
Words that end with “x” will take “ges” at the end. You will have to drop “x”
- Meninx - Meninges
- Larynx - Larynges
Remember, you will have to make use of the correct plural forms when you are taking your OET writing sub-test. Of course, in your OET listening sub-test, an error in writing a plural or a singular form may not create a problem for you. Your answer will be marked right even if the answer is spelled wrongly. But, in writing sub-test, spelling errors will bring a trouble for you. Your score will get affected.
Prepare for the OET. Enroll for the OET online training today.
.png "OET Listening Sub Test Taking Notes")
.png "OET Speaking Do you have to use medical terms or not")
.png "OET Medical Phrasal Verbs")
.png "How Nurses Can Improve English To Take OET")
.png "OET Listening Strategies")
.png "Covid 19 OET Preparation Online")
.png "Use of Adjectives in OET Writing")
.png "Plurals in OET Writing Sub Test")
.png "OET Plain English or Scientific Vocabulary")
.png "Use of Two Word Expressions In OET Writing Sub Test")
.png "Prepare for the OET 2020 Common Types of Questions in OET reading Test")
.png "Test of English to Find Out If You Are Ready For The OET or Not")
.png "OET 2020 Common Types of the Questions in Listening Sub Test of OET")
.png "Why and How to Take OET Sample Tests")
.png "OET in New Zealand Is New Zealand the Best option for the Medical Professionals")
.png "COVID19 And OET")
.png "All About OET Digital Badges")
.png "Grade C Plus Accepted in OET Writing by Nursing and Midwifery Council NMC")
.png "OET 2020 Why is It All About English Skills and Not The Test of Your Medical Knowledge")
.png "How to Pass OET Reading Test in 2020")
.png "Can I Use Abbreviations in OET")
.png "Useful Medical Journals for OET")
.png "OET Writing Case Notes")
.png "Tips On Notes Taking In OET Listening Sub Test")
.png "Guide for OET Listening Tips")
.png "Using The Right OET Reading Test Skills For Part A B and C")
.png "Trusted OET Preparation Portal Enroll For OET Training Online Now")
.png "Basic English For The OET Preparation Nurses")
.png "What Is The Word Limit For OET Writing Sub Test")
.png "Using Right Vocabulary In OET Speaking and Writing Sub Test")
.png "OET Listening Sub Test Complete Guide")
.png "OET Writing Sub Test Mistakes To Avoid")
.png "English For Nurses")
.png "Top 9 FAQs on OET Listening Sub Test")
.jpg "Just One Day Before OET Exam")
.jpg "Effective Reading Tips to Score the Best in Your OET")
.png "Tips to Score OET 2.0 Listening")
.png "Overcoming The Fear of OET 2.0 Reading")
.png "OET For Pharmacists")
.png "OET for Doctors")
.png "Top 7 Mistakes In OET Writing Sub Test")
.png "Who Accepts OET")
.png "OET 2.0 Study Material")
.png "Strategies to Pass OET")
.png "OET Preparation Online")
.png "OET Preparation for Dentists")
.jpg "Tips on OET Writing Test")
