What’s the plural of “scarf”?
She wrapped several warm scarves around her neck. (Correct irregular plural form)
The vendor sold a variety of silk scarfs. (Correct regular plural form, also acceptable)
He wore a single plaid scarves to the game. (Incorrect plural form used for a singular noun)
The cat sharpened its claws on the two shelfs. (Incorrect plural form of ‘shelf’; should be ‘shelves’)
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).
What’s the singular of “scarf”?
It’s scarf.
What’s a “scarf”?
Dictionary.com defines the word scarf as:
A long, broad strip of wool, silk, lace, or other material worn about the neck, shoulders, or head, for ornament or protection against cold, drafts, etc.
Nouns that end in -f/fe and -ves
Scarves (pl. n.) spelled with –ves is not alone in its irregularity as a plural noun in English. Scarf, which is a Germanic word (includes languages such as Frankish, and Old Norse), is in the same family of irregular plural nouns, etymologically speaking, as shelf, hoof, wolf, knife, life, and so on and so forth.
| singular | plural |
| scarf | scarves |
| life | lives |
| wife | wives |
| shelf | shelves |
| self | selves |
| half | halves |
| wolf | wolves |
Evidently, the Germanic languages had numerous ways to demonstrate a noun as plural; that is, besides the standard -s/-es (read: I-mutation/I-umlaut, a particular favourite on the #gflex corner of the deep web.)
“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.
Examples of “scarf” in sentences
1. When you wear a silk scarf in the winter, there isn’t special need to reinvent the wheel. (NathanKong, “Ways to Wear a Scarf“)
2. The feel of a soft scarf loosely draped around your neck can be such a comforting touch. (News 24, “Scarfs are not only for winter”)
3. Draped over a top and paired with trousers, a solid coloured scarf will lend any look some sophistication.
4. Tied over a tailored trench coat and laidback jeans, a rich green scarf for example, will convey a relaxed off-duty look. (PopSugar, ‘Cool ways to wear your scarf’)
Examples of scarves/scarfs used in context
The following sentences show the correct use of the word scarves in context:
1. Symbols of comfort and warmth, scarves have rightfully earned their status as winter wardrobe essentials. (PopSugar)
2. I prefer nylon scarves over wool ones because they are less scratchy. (Grammarly blog, on scarves.)
3. From bright checkered prints to vibrant colour block styles, this season’s scarves feel modern and exciting. (PopSugar)
Scarfs go on sale at the end of winter.
4. There is quite a difference between the light, elegant scarfs of summer and the warm comfortable winter ones. (News 24, “Scarfs are not only for winter”)
Synonyms for scarf
- bandanna
- shawl
- tie
- kerchief
- neckwear
- cover-up
- wrapping
- overlay
- ascot (has anyone heard of this? A question submitted by a #gflexer.)
- stole (this was a new one for team #gflex)
Origin of scarf
Etymonline on the etymology of scarf:
Probably from Old North French escarpe “sash, sling,” which probably is identical with Old French escherpe “pilgrim’s purse suspended from the neck,” perhaps from Frankish *skirpja or some other Germanic source (compare Old Norse skreppa “small bag, wallet, satchel”).
What’s the difference between they’re, their, and there?
Work Sheet
According to the blog post, what are the two correct plural forms of “scarf”?
Which plural form of “scarf” is pronounced with a ‘v’ sound, according to the post?
The post mentions that nouns ending in -f or -fe often switch to -ves in the plural. Which of these is NOT listed as following that pattern?
In the sentence “He wore a single plaid scarves to the game,” what is the grammatical error highlighted in the post?
According to the post, which plural form of “scarf” has a harsher ‘f’ sound?
The vendor sold a variety of silk .
She wrapped several warm around her neck.
Many nouns ending in -f or -fe, like , change to -ves in the plural form.
The singular form of “scarves” or “scarfs” is .
The post uses an example of an incorrect plural form, mentioning that the plural of “shelf” should be .
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the correct plurals of scarf?
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Are both “scarves” and “scarfs” correct?
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How do the scarf plurals differ?
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What common plural mistakes occur?
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What other nouns pluralize like scarf?
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Yash, D. "What’s the Plural of Scarf?." Grammarflex, Jun 2, 2025, https://www.grammarflex.com/whats-the-plural-of-scarf/.
Sources
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Dictionary.com: scarf.
