Is “scarf” singular or plural?
She wrapped several warm scarves around her neck.
The vendor sold a variety of silk scarfs.
He wore a single plaid scarves to the game.
The cat sharpened its claws on the two shelfs.
Both scarves and scarfs are correct ways to describe more than one scarf. They are, however, pronounced differently: scarves is pronounced like skahr-vz; whereas scarfs is more like skahrf-s. There’s a harsh ‘f‘ sound on the second spelling that scarves omits.
Either way, both scarves and scarfs are correct plural forms to refer to these woollen and winter-stylish wardrobe essentials, the scarf (unless you mean he scarfed down his food, i.e., the verb; in which case, use scarfed for past tense).
Examples of “scarf” (singular) and “scarves/scarfs” (plural) in sentences
| Singular: “scarf” | Plural: “scarves/scarfs” |
|---|---|
| When you wear a silk scarf in the winter, there isn’t special need to reinvent the wheel. | Symbols of comfort and warmth, scarves have rightfully earned their status as winter wardrobe essentials. |
| The feel of a soft scarf loosely draped around your neck can be such a comforting touch. | I prefer nylon scarves over wool ones because they are less scratchy. |
| Draped over a top and paired with trousers, a solid coloured scarf will lend any look some sophistication. | From bright checkered prints to vibrant colour block styles, this season’s scarves feel modern and exciting. |
| A rich green scarf will convey a relaxed off-duty look. | There is quite a difference between the light, elegant scarfs of summer and the warm comfortable winter ones. |
For “scarf” plurals, associate “scarves” with the softer ‘v’ sound and visualize multiple soft, flowing scarves; “scarfs” has a harsher ‘f’ sound, like a rougher texture.
Synonyms for scarf
- bandanna
- shawl
- tie
- kerchief
- neckwear
- cover-up
- wrapping
- overlay
- ascot
- stole
Worksheet
What are the two correct plural forms of “scarf”?
The pronunciation of “scarves” sounds like:
Which plural form has a harsh ‘f’ sound?
Which words share a similar plural pattern with “scarf”?
When used as a verb, what is the past tense of “scarf”?
She wrapped several warm around her neck.
The vendor sold a variety of silk .
Which plural form produces a softer sound?
Which word is NOT a synonym for scarf?
The word “scarf” has its origins primarily in which language family?
FAQs
What are the correct plurals of scarf?
Both “scarves” (irregular) and “scarfs” (regular) are correct plural forms for the clothing item that wraps around one’s neck.
Are both “scarves” and “scarfs” correct?
Yes, both forms are correct ways to describe more than one scarf. They are pronounced differently but both forms are acceptable.
How do the scarf plurals differ?
The primary difference is pronunciation. “Scarves” uses a soft ‘v’ sound (skahr-vz), whereas “scarfs” uses a harsh ‘f’ sound (skahrf-s).
What common plural mistakes occur?
A common mistake is using the plural form for a singular noun, like “He wore a single plaid scarves.” Another error is using incorrect plurals for similar words, like “shelfs” instead of “shelves”.
What other nouns pluralize like scarf?
Similar nouns ending in -f or -fe that switch to -ves for the plural include shelf/shelves, hoof/hooves, wolf/wolves, knife/knives, and life/lives.
Yash, D. What’s the Plural of Scarf?. Grammarflex. www.grammarflex.com/whats-the-plural-of-scarf/
Sources
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Dictionary.com: scarf.
