The word princess is a familiar term in literature, movies, history, and everyday conversation. Classified as a noun, “princess” refers to a female royal, typically the daughter of a king or queen or the wife of a prince. Understanding how to form and use the plural of “princess”—princesses—is an essential aspect of English grammar.
Mastering plural forms is crucial for both native speakers and English learners (ESL students). Pluralization affects how we communicate quantity, agreement, and meaning. However, English has many irregular or unusual plural forms, and words like “princess” can cause confusion due to their spelling and pronunciation patterns.
This comprehensive article is designed for students, teachers, writers, editors, and anyone seeking precise, confident English usage. We will explore the definition of “princess,” break down its structure, explain the rules and exceptions, provide numerous examples, and offer practice exercises.
We will also delve into more advanced nuances, such as pluralization in compound nouns and cultural contexts.
Whether you are polishing your grammar for exams, improving your writing, or simply curious about the quirks of English, this guide will give you all the tools you need to use “princesses” correctly and avoid common pitfalls.
Table of Contents
- Definition Section
- Structural Breakdown
- Types or Categories
- Examples Section
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ Section
- Conclusion
Definition Section
3.1 What Is a Plural Noun?
A plural noun refers to more than one person, place, thing, or idea. In contrast, a singular noun denotes just one. Plural nouns are a fundamental part of English grammar, allowing us to indicate quantity and ensure grammatical agreement in sentences.
Pluralization affects subject-verb agreement and helps avoid ambiguity. For example, “The princess is here” (one person) vs. “The princesses are here” (more than one person).
3.2 What Does “Princess” Mean?
The noun princess refers to a female member of a royal family, especially the daughter of a monarch or the wife of a prince.
- Etymology: “Princess” comes from the Old French princesse, derived from the Latin princeps meaning “chief” or “leader.”
- Grammatical classification: Princess is a countable noun (you can have one princess, two princesses, etc.).
3.3 Plural Form Explained
The plural form of “princess” is princesses (pronounced /ˈprɪn.sɛs.ɪz/). This form is used whenever you are referring to more than one princess.
- When to use: Use “princesses” in contexts involving multiple royal women—fairy tales, historical accounts, modern news, or creative writing.
- Example: “The princesses wore sparkling gowns at the festival.”
You may encounter “princesses” in stories (“The princesses rescued the kingdom”), in history (“The princesses of Europe met for the conference”), or in contemporary news (“Three princesses attended the event”).
Structural Breakdown
4.1 Basic Pluralization Rules in English
Most English nouns form the plural by adding -s. However, spelling and pronunciation rules can change depending on the noun’s ending.
| Ending | Plural Rule | Example (Singular → Plural) |
|---|---|---|
| Most nouns | Add -s | cat → cats |
| Nouns ending in -s, -ss, -sh, -ch, -x, -z | Add -es | box → boxes, bus → buses |
| Nouns ending in consonant + y | Change y to i and add -es | lady → ladies |
| Nouns ending in f/fe | Change f/fe to v and add -es | wife → wives |
| Irregular nouns | Varies | child → children, man → men |
4.2 The Rule for Nouns Ending in -ss
Nouns ending in -ss form their plural by adding -es. This is because adding only -s would create a difficult or awkward pronunciation and does not follow regular English spelling conventions.
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| princess | princesses |
| glass | glasses |
| class | classes |
| kiss | kisses |
| address | addresses |
| boss | bosses |
| actress | actresses |
4.3 Syllable and Pronunciation Considerations
Adding -es to nouns ending in -ss adds an extra syllable. This helps with pronunciation and clarity.
- princess: /ˈprɪn.sɛs/ (2 syllables)
- princesses: /ˈprɪn.sɛs.ɪz/ (3 syllables)
The extra syllable “-iz” in “princesses” is common in plurals of nouns ending in sibilant sounds (like s, sh, ch, x, z).
4.4 Spelling Patterns and Pluralization
To spell the plural of “princess” correctly, follow these steps:
- Identify the ending: “princess” ends in -ss.
- Add -es (not just -s): princess + es = princesses.
- Beware double letters: Do not remove any “s” when adding -es.
Common pitfall: Avoid writing “princesss” (with three s’s) or “princess” (unchanged) when referring to more than one.
Tip: The same pattern applies to similar nouns: “glass” → “glasses,” “actress” → “actresses.”
Types or Categories
5.1 Regular vs. Irregular Plurals
Princess is a regular noun because its plural follows a predictable spelling rule (add -es). Some nouns, however, are irregular.
| Type | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | princess | princesses |
| Regular (-es ending) | bus | buses |
| Irregular | child | children |
| Irregular | man | men |
| Irregular | mouse | mice |
5.2 Pluralization in Compound Nouns Involving “Princess”
When “princess” appears in a compound noun (e.g., “crown princess,” “princess-consort”), pluralization depends on which word is being counted.
- Pluralizing the main noun:
- crown princess → crown princesses
- princess regent → princess regents
- princess-consort → princesses-consort (formal/historical, but also “princess-consorts” is seen)
- Pluralizing both parts (rare): Only if both are plural (e.g., “princesses and consorts”).
5.3 Gendered and Non-Gendered Counterparts
Royal titles can be gendered or non-gendered. Below are common forms and their plurals.
| Title (Singular) | Title (Plural) | Gender |
|---|---|---|
| prince | princes | male |
| princess | princesses | female |
| king | kings | male |
| queen | queens | female |
| royal | royals | non-gendered |
| monarch | monarchs | non-gendered |
Examples Section
6.1 Basic Examples in Sentences
- The princesses attended the royal ball.
- Several princesses visited the museum today.
- Do you know any stories about brave princesses?
- All the princesses wore beautiful crowns.
- The kingdom had three princesses and two princes.
- The princesses danced gracefully across the stage.
- Many princesses in history became powerful leaders.
- The princesses smiled at the cheering crowd.
- Disney movies often feature princesses as main characters.
- The princesses’ gowns sparkled in the sunlight.
- Young girls often dream of becoming princesses.
6.2 Complex Usage Examples
- Several princesses from different kingdoms gathered for the peace summit.
- Despite their differences, the princesses worked together to solve the mystery.
- The princesses, who had trained for years, led their armies with courage and wisdom.
- During the festival, all the princesses wore traditional costumes unique to their countries.
- Legends tell of princesses who defied expectations and changed the course of history.
- The castle’s grand hall was filled with princesses from across the continent.
- Each year, the princesses participate in a charity event to help local children.
- Some princesses preferred adventures over formal ceremonies.
- The princesses’ responsibilities included attending meetings and supporting various causes.
- It was rare to see so many princesses in one place, all united for a single purpose.
- After the ceremony, the princesses exchanged gifts and stories about their homelands.
6.3 Comparative Table: Singular vs. Plural
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| The princess is in the garden. | The princesses are in the garden. |
| A princess saved the kingdom. | Many princesses saved their kingdoms. |
| She is a kind princess. | They are kind princesses. |
| That princess wears a blue dress. | Those princesses wear blue dresses. |
| This princess loves to travel. | These princesses love to travel. |
6.4 Pluralization in Questions and Negatives
- Are there any princesses in the story?
- Did you see the princesses at the parade?
- There aren’t any princesses in this book.
- Why don’t the princesses wear crowns?
- Were all the princesses invited to the event?
6.5 Literary and Real-world Examples
- “The princesses of Disney have inspired generations of children.” (Pop culture)
- “Three princesses of the royal family attended the coronation ceremony.” (News)
- “In fairy tales, princesses often face great challenges.” (Literature)
- “The princesses’ courage was celebrated throughout the land.” (Storybook)
- “Several princesses from Europe met to discuss humanitarian causes.” (Journalism)
6.6 Table: 20+ Nouns Similar to “Princess” and Their Plurals
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| actress | actresses |
| waitress | waitresses |
| goddess | goddesses |
| address | addresses |
| glass | glasses |
| class | classes |
| boss | bosses |
| kiss | kisses |
| stress | stresses |
| process | processes |
| pass | passes |
| mattress | mattresses |
| fortress | fortresses |
| lioness | lionesses |
| hostess | hostesses |
| mistress | mistresses |
| empress | empresses |
| press | presses |
| fox | foxes |
| witch | witches |
| church | churches |
6.7 Table: Incorrect vs. Correct Pluralization Examples
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| princesss | princesses |
| princes | princesses |
| princess’s | princesses |
| princessses | princesses |
| princesses’ | princesses (for plural, “princesses'” for plural possessive) |
| princss | princesses |
| princessies | princesses |
| princessess | princesses |
| prince’s | princesses |
| princessss | princesses |
Usage Rules
7.1 The “-es” Rule for Sibilant Endings
When a noun ends in a sibilant sound (s, ss, sh, ch, x, z), add -es to form the plural. This applies to “princess” because it ends in -ss.
- princess → princesses
- box → boxes
- church → churches
- bus → buses
- dish → dishes
7.2 Pronunciation Rules for -es Endings
The -es ending creates an extra syllable, pronounced as /ɪz/.
| Word | IPA (Singular) | IPA (Plural) |
|---|---|---|
| princess | /ˈprɪn.sɛs/ | /ˈprɪn.sɛs.ɪz/ |
| glass | /ɡlæs/ | /ˈɡlæs.ɪz/ |
| class | /klæs/ | /ˈklæs.ɪz/ |
| boss | /bɒs/ | /ˈbɒs.ɪz/ |
Tip: Practice saying “princesses”: prin-cess-iz.
7.3 Consistency in Written and Spoken English
Always capitalize “Princess” when it’s a title (e.g., Princess Diana), but use lowercase for the common noun unless at the beginning of a sentence.
- Princess Aurora is a character in Sleeping Beauty.
- The princesses arrived at the castle.
Keep subject-verb agreement and be consistent with plural/singular forms throughout your writing and speech.
7.4 Plural Agreement in Sentences
Plural nouns require plural verbs and pronouns. Observe correct agreement for clarity.
| Plural Subject | Verb | Complete Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| The princesses | are | The princesses are singing. |
| All princesses | have | All princesses have royal duties. |
| These princesses | were | These princesses were invited to the ball. |
7.5 Special Cases in Titles and Names
Do not pluralize “Princess” in specific titles or names. For example, “Princess of Wales” refers to a unique title, not multiple individuals.
- Correct: The Princess of Wales is attending the event.
- Incorrect: The Princesses of Wales are attending the event. (Unless you mean multiple people with the same title, which is extremely rare.)
Common Mistakes
8.1 Spelling Errors
Common misspellings include adding too many or too few “s” letters, or confusing possessive and plural forms.
| Incorrect Spelling | Correction |
|---|---|
| princesss | princesses |
| princes | princesses |
| princess’s | princesses |
| princessess | princesses |
| princessies | princesses |
| princeses | princesses |
| princss | princesses |
| princessesss | princesses |
8.2 Mispronunciation of “Princesses”
Some learners may omit the extra syllable or misplace stress. Correct pronunciation: /ˈprɪn.sɛs.ɪz/ (prin-cess-iz).
- Incorrect: /ˈprɪn.sɛs/ (missing final syllable)
- Correct: /ˈprɪn.sɛs.ɪz/
8.3 Confusing with Similar Words
Princes (male) and princesses (female) are often mixed up. Compare below:
| Word | Singular | Plural | Gender |
|---|---|---|---|
| prince | prince | princes | male |
| princess | princess | princesses | female |
8.4 Incorrect Pluralization in Compounds
Incorrect: “princess-consorts” or “princesses-consort” can both be seen, but traditional usage pluralizes the main noun:
- Correct (formal): princesses-consort
- More common: princess-consorts
Be consistent and clear about what is being pluralized.
8.5 Overgeneralization Errors
Some learners mistakenly apply regular plural rules to irregular nouns (e.g., childs instead of children) or vice versa. Remember, “princess” is regular: just add -es.
- Incorrect: princesss, princessies
- Correct: princesses
Practice Exercises
9.1 Fill-in-the-Blank
- The _________ wore matching tiaras at the ceremony.
- How many _________ are in the castle?
- All the _________ smiled for the photograph.
- There are three _________ in the parade.
- The _________’ stories inspired the children.
- Several _________ attended the peace conference.
- These _________ are from different countries.
- Did the _________ enjoy the party?
- Two _________ sang at the celebration.
- Which _________ visited today?
9.2 Identify and Correct the Error
- The princesss wore beautiful gowns.
- All of the princess’s attended the event.
- How many princes are in the fairy tale?
- The princessess played in the garden.
- Several princess-consorts was present.
- Do you know any famous princes?
- The princessies smiled at the audience.
- Each of the princess have a crown.
- Many princesss enjoyed the dance.
- The princesses is arriving soon.
9.3 Matching Exercise
Match the singular noun to its correct plural form.
| Singular | Plural (Choose) |
|---|---|
| princess |
|
| actress |
|
| glass |
|
| boss |
|
| goddess |
|
9.4 Sentence Construction
Write 5 original sentences using the plural “princesses.”
- _________________________________________
- _________________________________________
- _________________________________________
- _________________________________________
- _________________________________________
9.5 Multiple Choice
- What is the correct plural of “princess”?
a) princesss
b) princesses
c) princes - Which sentence is correct?
a) The princesss are arriving.
b) The princesses are arriving.
c) The princesses is arriving. - How is “princesses” pronounced?
a) /ˈprɪn.sɛs/
b) /ˈprɪn.sɛs.ɪz/
c) /ˈprɪn.sɛs.siz/ - Which of the following is NOT a correct plural form?
a) glasses
b) bossies
c) actresses - Choose the correct subject-verb agreement:
a) The princesses is dancing.
b) The princesses are dancing.
c) The princesses was dancing.
Answer Key
9.1 Fill-in-the-Blank (Answers)
- princesses
- princesses
- princesses
- princesses
- princesses’
- princesses
- princesses
- princesses
- princesses
- princesses
9.2 Identify and Correct the Error (Answers)
- The princesses wore beautiful gowns.
- All of the princesses attended the event.
- How many princesses are in the fairy tale?
- The princesses played in the garden.
- Several princess-consorts were present.
- Do you know any famous princesses?
- The princesses smiled at the audience.
- Each of the princesses has a crown.
- Many princesses enjoyed the dance.
- The princesses are arriving soon.
9.3 Matching Exercise (Answers)
- princess → b. princesses
- actress → b. actresses
- glass → b. glasses
- boss → b. bosses
- goddess → a. goddesses
9.4 Sentence Construction (Sample Answers)
- The princesses took part in the annual parade.
- All the princesses learned to ride horses.
- During the festival, the princesses wore traditional dresses.
- The princesses’ kindness was admired by everyone.
- Young readers enjoy stories about adventurous princesses.
9.5 Multiple Choice (Answers)
- b) princesses
- b) The princesses are arriving.
- b) /ˈprɪn.sɛs.ɪz/
- b) bossies
- b) The princesses are dancing.
Advanced Topics
10.1 Pluralization in Historical and Cultural Contexts
The use of “princesses” varies across cultures and eras. In medieval Europe, multiple princesses in one royal family were common, and historical texts often refer to “the princesses of France” or “the princesses of the Ottoman Empire.”
In modern times, “princesses” is frequently used in storytelling, pop culture, and media to refer to groups of female royals or role models.
10.2 Pluralization in Formal vs. Informal English
In formal English, use “princesses” when referring to multiple individuals holding the title. In informal English, the term can be used more loosely for storytelling, games, or descriptions.
- Formal: “The princesses of the royal household attended the banquet.”
- Informal: “My daughters like to pretend they’re princesses.”
10.3 Pluralization in Titles, Headings, and Address
When “Princess” is used as a title, it is not pluralized unless addressing multiple individuals. In headings, use “Princesses” when the article or section discusses more than one.
- Title: Princess Charlotte is visiting today.
- Heading: “Famous Princesses in History”
- Address: “Princesses, please come forward.”
10.4 Etymological Notes and Borrowings
The word “princess” is borrowed from Old French “princesse,” itself from the Latin “princeps.” English has borrowed “princess” into other languages, and languages like French (“princesses”), Spanish (“princesas”), and Italian (“principesse”) have similar plural forms.
10.5 Pluralization in Creative Writing and Literature
Writers may use “princesses” in inventive ways, sometimes personifying abstract concepts or using the plural for dramatic effect (e.g., “The princesses of winter and summer battled for the throne”). Poetry may play with form, but standard pluralization is usually retained.
FAQ Section
- What is the plural form of “princess” and how is it pronounced?
The plural is princesses, pronounced /ˈprɪn.sɛs.ɪz/ (“prin-cess-iz”). - Why is it “princesses” and not “princesss”?
English adds -es to nouns ending in -ss for clarity and pronunciation. “Princesss” is unpronounceable and nonstandard. - Are there any exceptions to the pluralization rule for “princess”?
No, “princess” always becomes “princesses” in the plural. - How do you pluralize compound nouns like “crown princess”?
Pluralize the main noun: “crown princess” → “crown princesses.” - What is the plural of “prince”? How is it different from “princesses”?
“Prince” becomes “princes” (male). “Princess” becomes “princesses” (female). - Can “princess” ever be pluralized differently in poetry or literature?
Rarely. Standard pluralization is “princesses,” though poetic license may allow creative forms. - How do you make the possessive plural of “princess”?
For more than one princess possessing something: “princesses’.” (e.g., “The princesses’ dresses were beautiful.”) - What are some common mistakes when writing “princesses”?
Misspellings like “princesss,” “princess’s,” “princessess,” and confusing “princes” with “princesses.” - Is “princesses” used differently in British and American English?
No significant difference in spelling or usage. - Are there other English nouns with a similar pluralization pattern?
Yes: “actress/actresses,” “glass/glasses,” “boss/bosses,” “kiss/kisses.” - How do you use “princesses” in a negative sentence?
Example: “There aren’t any princesses in the film.” - What is the IPA pronunciation of “princesses”?
/ˈprɪn.sɛs.ɪz/
Conclusion
To summarize, the correct plural form of “princess” is princesses, spelled with -es and pronounced /ˈprɪn.sɛs.ɪz/. This follows the regular pluralization pattern for nouns ending in -ss. Common mistakes include misspelling, mispronunciation, and confusing “princesses” with similar words like “princes.”
Always follow the -es rule for sibilant endings, keep subject-verb agreement, and be aware of special cases in titles or compound nouns. Avoiding common errors and mastering pluralization patterns will help you communicate clearly and confidently in English.
Continue practicing with the exercises provided, and explore more about English pluralization rules to strengthen your grammar skills. Remember, attention to detail in grammar is key to effective writing and speaking.