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:
- Certain articles of clothing.
- Certain tools or instruments.
- 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.
More lessons
IELTS complete guide (WITH EXAMPLE QUESTIONS)
Past continuous tense – English grammar lesson
Countable and uncountable nouns | English grammar
Plural forms of English nouns
Modal verb COULD – Form, use and meaning
Private online English lessons
Zulfiqar says
Your Site is really fantastic. I cannot afford your fee , otherwise your way of teaching is excellent.
Nandani says
Thanks, I took many nouns from different websites but I found your best one!!!!!
Kunal says
Noun that are used in always plural from
Emmanuel P. Suah says
Your site is a great resource for teachers- especially non-native speakers.
I especially enjoy the differences between standard British English and standard American English in many of your lessons.
I wish I could afford to pay for some of your online programs!
I have a burning desire to learn the English language with references to both national standards