English nouns that only have a plural form

Certain English nouns only have a plural form. The form is always plural. Never singular.

There are 3 types of nouns where the form is always plural:

1. Certain articles of clothing.
2. Certain tools or instruments.
3. Other types.

Let’s look at each type in detail.

Certain articles of clothing

The following articles of clothing only have a plural form:

trousers
knickers
pyjamas
shorts
tights
pants

Examples:

I like your trousers.
I like your trouser.

 

 

Where are my shorts?
Where are my short?
Where is my short?

 

Certain tools and instruments.

The following tools and instruments only have a plural form:

headphones
scissors
sunglasses
binoculars
glasses

Examples:

Can I borrow your headphones?
Can I borrow your headphone?

 

Where did you buy your sunglasses?
Where did you buy your sunglass?

 

“pair of”

We use the following structure for ONE unit (singular) of the clothes and tools previously mentioned:

“pair of” + noun

Examples:

I need a pair of shorts.
I need a short.
I need a shorts.

 

I only have one pair of glasses.
I only have one glass.
I only have one glasses.

 

“pairs of”

We use the following structure for several units (plural):

“pairs of” + noun

Examples:

 

I am going to buy 3 pairs of shorts.
I am going to buy 3 shorts.

 

Here are lots of pairs of tights.

 

Other nouns with only a plural form

belongings
Meaning: Personal things that belong to you. (bag, hat, glasses, scarf)
Example:
Teacher: Do not leave your belongings in the classroom.

 

savings
Meaning: Money in your bank account. You are saving the money for the future.
Example:
I spent my savings on a new car.

 

clothes
Meaning:  General word for a collection of articles of clothing.
Example:
His clothes are dirty.

 

stairs
Example:
To go to the first floor, you can take the stairs.

 

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