The plural form of 'able', when it is used as a noun, is ables.
While 'able' is predominantly recognized and used as an adjective in modern English, describing a capacity or skill (e.g., "She is able to run a marathon"), it can also function as a noun in specific, though less common, contexts.
Understanding 'Able' as an Adjective vs. Noun
In English grammar, adjectives describe nouns and do not typically have plural forms. For instance, you would say "an able student" or "two able students," not "two ables students."
However, certain linguistic references confirm that 'able' can indeed be a noun. In these specific instances, like many English nouns, it forms its plural by adding '-s'.
'Able' as a Noun: Specific Contexts
When 'able' functions as a noun, it often refers to:
- A type of tree: Specifically, the white poplar tree (Populus alba) is sometimes referred to as an "able."
- An obsolete term: Historically, "able" was used to mean a rope in some dialects or contexts.
These usages are rare in contemporary general English, but they demonstrate the grammatical possibility for 'able' to exist as a noun, and thus to have a plural form.
The Plural Form in Detail
When 'able' is used as a noun, its plural is formed regularly:
| Form | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | able | ables |
Example of Noun Usage:
- Singular: "The gardener planted an able by the riverbank." (referring to a single poplar tree)
- Plural: "The forest contained many ancient ables." (referring to multiple poplar trees)
It is crucial to differentiate this noun usage from the much more common adjectival use to avoid grammatical errors.
For further reference on the general usage of 'able' as an adjective, you can consult reputable dictionaries like the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
