Nouns That Do Not Change in the Plural
Temps usually takes no ending in the plural, but a noun like ors does.
How It Works
The noun temps ends in a consonant plus s. In the plural it usually keeps the same form, and the article, a number word or the verb shows the number.
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| lo temps (the time, the weather) | los temps (the times) |
| l'ors (the bear) | los orses (the bears) |
Los temps càmbian. The plural verb càmbian is what tells you the subject is plural.
Temps is the exception. Other nouns that end in a consonant plus s add -es, like ors: writers use orses far more than los ors. Nouns with a vowel before the final s, such as pas (step) and mes (month), add -es too (passes, meses). Writers sometimes add -es to temps as well (tempses), but this course writes los temps.
Examples (5)
- lo temps
the time, the weather
Temps ends in a consonant plus s.
- los temps
the times
The plural usually has the same form, and only the article changes.
- Dins lo bòsc i a dos orses.
There are two bears in the woods.
Ors adds -es: dos orses.
- Ai pas lo temps.
I do not have the time.
Temps is singular here, and pas follows the verb ai.
- Los temps càmbian.
Times change.
The plural verb càmbian shows the plural.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Nouns that keep the same form in the plural are exceptions to the plural in -s, so that rule comes first.
Related Patterns
- Plural of Nouns Ending in -s
Nouns with a vowel before the s add -es, and so do most with a consonant before it.
Level 2 - los, lasDefinite Articles Plural
The plural article shows the number.
Level 1 - fa bon temps, fa fredWeather
The weather phrases use temps.
Level 2 - lo, laDefinite Articles Singular
The singular article.
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Practice Nouns That Do Not Change in the Plural in Bubblegum
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