The plural of "worry" is worries.
This common noun, "worry," refers to a state of mental distress or agitation that results from concern, often about something that is impending or anticipated—essentially, a form of anxiety. When you have more than one such concern or instance of this feeling, you refer to them as "worries."
Understanding the Plural Form of "Worry"
The formation of the plural of "worry" follows a standard rule in English grammar for nouns ending in 'y'.
The 'Y' to 'IES' Rule
For most nouns that end in a consonant followed by 'y', the plural is formed by changing the 'y' to 'i' and adding 'es'.
- Worry (ends in 'r', a consonant, then 'y') becomes worries.
This rule helps maintain phonetic consistency and is observed in many other English words.
Examples in Context
To illustrate, consider these uses of both the singular and plural forms:
- Singular: "He had a worry about his upcoming presentation."
- Plural: "Her mind was filled with worries about her children's future."
Everyday Usage of "Worries"
The term "worries" is frequently used to describe a collection of anxieties, concerns, or troubles that an individual might be experiencing. These can range from minor everyday concerns to significant life challenges.
- Managing your worries can improve your overall well-being.
- It's natural to have financial worries from time to time.
- Sharing your worries with a trusted friend can often help lighten the load.
Common Nouns Following the Same Pluralization Rule
Many other English nouns adopt the same 'y' to 'ies' pluralization rule. Here's a brief comparison:
| Singular Noun | Plural Noun | Example Sentence (Plural) |
|---|---|---|
| Worry | Worries | She had many worries on her mind. |
| Baby | Babies | The nursery was full of sleeping babies. |
| City | Cities | London is one of the largest cities in the world. |
| Story | Stories | Grandparents often tell fascinating stories. |
| Lady | Ladies | The ladies gathered for their weekly book club. |
For more detailed information on noun pluralization rules in English, you can consult reliable grammar resources like the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL).
It's important to distinguish between the noun "worry" and the verb "to worry." While the noun's plural is "worries," the verb's third-person singular present tense form is also "worries" (e.g., "He worries a lot"), and its past tense is "worried."
