What’s the plural of “self”?
The plural of self is selves.
The campers heard the howling of the wolves in the distance.
She decided to live a simple, quiet life.
The bakery sliced the large loaf into two halfs.
They should focus on improving their better self.
What’s the singular of self?
Self is a singular noun. Selves is plural.
What does “self” mean?
The dictionary defines the word self as:
A person or thing referred to with respect to complete individuality: one’s own self.
Nouns that end in -f/-fe and -ves
Each of these nouns converts the same as self does from the singular to the plural:
| singular | plural |
| knife | knives |
| life | lives |
| wife | wives |
| shelf | shelves |
| self | selves |
| half | halves |
| wolf | wolves |
“selves” is plural, picture multiple reflections of your SELF in a hall of mirrors, making multiple SELVES.
Examples of the word “self” in sentences
1. The face is the true self visible to others.
2. I want to explore and get in touch with my inner self.
3. I’ll do it by myself.
4. His better self.
5. You’re looking more like your usual self.
Examples of selves used in application
1. They say either that there is no divine self or that there are more divine selves than one.
2. Our inner selves are always barricaded behind codes of language.
3. Put your pathetic selves out of misery and end the charade already.
4. The past selves are indifferent or undecided between the outcomes available to the present self.
5. They have no thought of selves.
Origin of self
From etymology online on self (n.):
Old English self, sylf (West Saxon), seolf (Anglian), “one’s own person, -self; own, personal; same, identical,” from Proto-Germanic *selbaz.
What’s the difference between they’re, their, and there?
Sources
Work Sheet
According to the post, what is the correct plural form of “self”?
Which of the following singular nouns mentioned in the post forms its plural similarly to “self”?
The post identifies which of these plural forms as incorrect?
If referring to the better nature of multiple people, the post implies you should use:
What is the singular form of “selves”?
She wanted to connect with her inner .
The bakery sliced the large loaf into two .
Our inner are always barricaded behind codes of language.
They should focus on improving their better (referring to themselves collectively).
The campers heard the howling of the in the distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the plural of self?
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What is the singular of self?
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How do nouns ending in -f become plural?
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Give an example using the plural “selves”?
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Is “halfs” the correct plural?
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Yash, D. "What’s the Plural of Self?." Grammarflex, Jun 18, 2025, https://www.grammarflex.com/whats-the-plural-of-self/.
