Understanding the Plural of ‘Army’: Rules, Examples & Usage

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Mastering singular and plural nouns is fundamental to communicating clearly in English. Nouns change form to indicate whether we are talking about one thing or more than one. One such noun is “army,” a word that refers to a large, organized group, often used for military forces.

Knowing how to form and use the plural of “army” correctly is essential for accurate writing, speaking, exams, and professional communication. Misusing plurals can lead to misunderstandings, grammatical errors, and a lack of clarity.

This comprehensive guide explores the plural of “army” in depth. We’ll cover definitions, pluralization rules, many examples, common mistakes, and plenty of practice exercises.

Whether you are an English learner, teacher, writer, or grammar enthusiast, this article will deepen your understanding of this important collective noun and its plural form.

Table of Contents

3. Definition Section

3.1 What is “Army”?

Army is a collective noun referring to a large organized group, primarily used for a country’s military forces. The word originates from Old French armée, meaning “armed,” which in turn comes from Latin armata.

It is a noun and specifically a countable noun—meaning you can count armies (one army, two armies). It is not uncountable like “water” or “information.”

3.2 Singular vs. Plural: General Concept

In English, the singular form refers to one item, while the plural form refers to two or more. Using plurals correctly helps us communicate whether we mean one or many.

For example:

  • The army is marching. (one force)
  • The armies are marching. (more than one force)

3.3 The Plural of “Army”

The plural of army is armies.

This means multiple distinct groups or military forces.

Singular Plural Pronunciation (IPA)
army armies /ˈɑːrmi/ vs. /ˈɑːrmiz/

Notice the plural ends with a voiced /z/ sound, not a soft /s/.

3.4 Grammatical Classification of “Army”

  • Count noun: can be pluralized (armies).
  • Collective noun: refers to a group as a unit.
  • Concrete noun: names a tangible group of people.

4. Structural Breakdown

4.1 Regular Plural Formation with -Y Ending

For nouns ending in a consonant + y, the rule is:

Change “y” to “ies”.

Examples:

  • army → armies
  • baby → babies
  • city → cities
Ending Pattern Pluralization Rule Singular Plural
vowel + y add -s boy boys
consonant + y change y to ies army armies

4.2 Step-by-Step: How to Form “Armies” from “Army”

  1. Identify that “army” ends with consonant “m” + “y”.
  2. Remove the “y.”
  3. Add “ies.”
  4. Result: armies.

Flowchart:

  • army → ends with consonant + y? → Yes → Drop “y” → Add “ies” → armies

4.3 Pronunciation Shift

Singular army ends with the /i/ sound: /ˈɑːrmi/.

Plural armies ends with the /iːz/ sound: /ˈɑːrmiz/.

Practice:

  • army /ˈɑːrmi/
  • armies /ˈɑːrmiz/

The added /z/ is voiced, meaning your vocal cords vibrate.

4.4 Usage Contexts

You use armies when referring to more than one distinct military force or group:

  • Multiple countries’ forces: The armies of Europe.
  • Historical forces: Ancient armies.
  • Fictional/fantasy forces: Armies in the video game.

You use army singular when referring to one single force, even if it has many members.

5. Types or Categories

5.1 Collective Noun Plurals

Collective nouns like army can be pluralized when referring to multiple groups.

Difference:

  • Armies = multiple military groups.
  • Soldiers = multiple individuals within those groups.

Example: Many armies have thousands of soldiers.

5.2 “Army” as Metaphor and Its Plural

Army is also used metaphorically for any large group:

  • An army of volunteers
  • An army of ants

The plural is armies when talking about many large groups:

  • Armies of tourists invaded the city.
  • Armies of ants covered the ground.

5.3 Military Armies vs. Non-Military Armies

Military: National armed forces (e.g., the British and French armies).

Non-Military: Large groups of people, animals, or things (e.g., an army of fans, armies of ants).

Pluralization rules are the same for both.

6. Examples Section

6.1 Basic Examples: Singular vs. Plural

  • Singular: The army arrived at dawn.
  • Plural: Several armies met on the battlefield.

6.2 Examples by Context

6.2.1 Historical Context

  • The Roman and Persian armies clashed many times.
  • Napoleon commanded many armies during his campaigns.
  • Ancient armies used different tactics.

6.2.2 Modern Military

  • NATO consists of the armies of multiple countries.
  • The armies of the world gathered for a peace summit.
  • Their armies participate in joint exercises.

6.2.3 Metaphorical Uses

  • The city was invaded by armies of tourists.
  • There are armies of ants in the jungle.
  • Marketing has armies of analysts working on data.

6.3 Complex Sentences

  • While the two armies prepared for war, diplomats negotiated peace.
  • Different armies developed unique strategies throughout history.
  • Armies from around the world collaborate on disaster relief.
  • The medieval armies fought fiercely over territory.
  • Armies of volunteers cleaned the beaches after the storm.

6.4 Table of Examples

Table 1: Singular vs. Plural Sentences

Singular Plural
The army is advancing. The armies are advancing.
Our army won the battle. Many armies fought bravely.
This army has new equipment. Those armies have modern weapons.
China’s army is large. Asian armies vary in size.

Table 2: Military vs. Metaphorical Usage

Military Context Metaphorical Context
The allied armies invaded the country. Armies of shoppers filled the mall.
Ancient armies used swords and shields. Armies of ants attacked the picnic.
Two armies faced each other at dawn. Armies of fans cheered wildly.

Table 3: Pluralization of Other -Y Ending Nouns

Singular Plural
army armies
baby babies
city cities
party parties
puppy puppies

6.5 Extended List: 40+ Example Sentences

  • The allied armies combined their forces.
  • Historical armies wore different uniforms.
  • The armies of ancient Greece fought many wars.
  • Armies of insects destroyed the crops.
  • Several armies participated in the military exercise.
  • Two armies faced each other across the river.
  • Different armies have different traditions.
  • Armies from neighboring countries joined forces.
  • The armies fought for control of the city.
  • Armies of fans gathered outside the stadium.
  • The world’s armies are modernizing.
  • Armies of ants marched toward the food.
  • The armies retreated after heavy losses.
  • Allied armies liberated the country.
  • Enemy armies gathered near the border.
  • Medieval armies relied on knights.
  • Armies of volunteers helped the victims.
  • Ancient armies used horses and chariots.
  • The armies signed a peace treaty.
  • Rival armies clashed in the valley.
  • Armies often compete in joint drills.
  • Colonial armies conquered new lands.
  • Two armies met on the battlefield.
  • Armies of students protested the law.
  • The armies advanced quickly.
  • Many armies suffered heavy casualties.
  • Armies of locusts invaded the fields.
  • The world’s strongest armies gathered.
  • Several armies signed the agreement.
  • Armies of hackers attacked the network.
  • Ancient armies built vast empires.
  • Armies of workers built the skyscraper.
  • European armies allied against Napoleon.
  • Competing armies fought for resources.
  • Armies of tourists crowded the beaches.
  • Different armies have different ranks.
  • Armies assembled for the parade.
  • Allied armies coordinated their attacks.
  • Invading armies destroyed the fortress.
  • Armies of scientists are researching vaccines.
  • The armies withdrew after the ceasefire.

7. Usage Rules

7.1 When to Use “Armies”

  • When comparing or referring to multiple military forces.
  • Describing different groups in conflicts throughout history.
  • Using metaphors to refer to large groups of people, animals, or things.

7.2 When NOT to Use “Armies”

  • When referring to a single unified force.
  • When context clearly refers to only one group, regardless of size.

7.3 Special Cases and Exceptions

  • Compound nouns: “army base” → “army bases” (not “armies bases”).
  • Proper nouns: “The Salvation Army” is an organization name and is singular.
  • Official titles or groups keep “army” singular.

7.4 Agreement with Verbs and Pronouns

Since “armies” is plural, it takes plural verbs and pronouns:

  • Armies are preparing for battle.
  • Their armies fought bravely.
  • These armies belong to different countries.

In contrast, singular:

  • The army is preparing.
Subject Verb Example
The army is The army is ready.
The armies are The armies are ready.
Our army has Our army has arrived.
Many armies have Many armies have arrived.

8. Common Mistakes

8.1 Incorrect Plural Formations

  • Incorrect: armys
  • Correct: armies

8.2 Misusing Singular for Plural Contexts

Using “army” when referring to multiple forces is incorrect:

  • Incorrect: Many army were present.
  • Correct: Many armies were present.

8.3 Misunderstanding Collective Noun Rules

Remember, army is singular even if it contains many people. Use plural only for multiple groups.

8.4 Incorrect Pronoun and Verb Agreement

  • Incorrect: Armies is fighting.
  • Correct: Armies are fighting.

8.5 Examples of Common Errors with Corrections

Incorrect Sentence Corrected Sentence Explanation
Three army fought together. Three armies fought together. Plural needed for multiple groups.
Many armys were defeated. Many armies were defeated. “armys” is incorrect plural spelling.
Armies is marching fast. Armies are marching fast. Plural subject needs plural verb “are”.
The armies was victorious. The armies were victorious. Plural subject needs “were”.
All army withdrew after the battle. All armies withdrew after the battle. Multiple groups require plural.

9. Practice Exercises

9.1 Fill-in-the-Blank

  1. Two ________ fought for control of the territory. (armies)
  2. Ancient ________ used swords and shields. (armies)
  3. The ________ is marching at dawn. (army)
  4. Competing ________ signed a peace treaty. (armies)
  5. Our ________ won the battle. (army)
  6. Several ________ gathered near the border. (armies)
  7. The ________ has modern equipment. (army)
  8. Armies of volunteers cleaned the park after the festival. (armies)
  9. The two ________ agreed on a ceasefire. (armies)
  10. China’s ________ is the largest in the world. (army)

9.2 Correct or Incorrect?

Sentence Correct?
The army of ants are huge. Incorrect
Multiple armies joined forces. Correct
The armies is advancing quickly. Incorrect
Our army is well-trained. Correct
Armies of fans showed up early. Correct
Different army fought in the war. Incorrect
Two armies clashed in battle. Correct
The armies was defeated. Incorrect
The army are marching now. Incorrect (AmE)
His army is powerful. Correct

9.3 Choose the Right Form

  1. Several ________ participated in the parade.
    • a) army
    • b) armies
  2. Our ________ is the best trained.
    • a) army
    • b) armies
  3. Many ________ faced each other in the conflict.
    • a) army
    • b) armies
  4. The ________ has modern tanks.
    • a) army
    • b) armies
  5. Allied ________ invaded the country.
    • a) army
    • b) armies

9.4 Sentence Construction

Prompts:

  • Military: Write a sentence about two different national forces.
  • Metaphorical: Write a sentence about a large group of insects.

Sample Answers:

  • The French and German armies collaborated on a project.
  • Armies of ants invaded the picnic area.

9.5 Practice Tables

Sentence with Blank Options
Multiple ________ were defeated. army / armies
The ________ has new equipment. army / armies
Ancient ________ built fortifications. army / armies
Two ________ fought in the valley. army / armies
Our ________ is well-equipped. army / armies

9.6 Answer Key

  1. armies
  2. armies
  3. army
  4. armies
  5. army
  6. armies
  7. army
  8. armies
  9. armies
  10. army

Correct or Incorrect explanations:

  • “The army of ants are huge.” – Incorrect, should be “is” (singular collective noun).
  • “The armies is advancing quickly.” – Incorrect, plural subject needs “are”.
  • “Different army fought in the war.” – Incorrect, should be “armies”.
  • “The armies was defeated.” – Incorrect, should be “were”.
  • “The army are marching now.” – Incorrect in American English, correct in British English.

10. Advanced Topics

10.1 Collective Nouns: Singular vs. Plural Agreement Nuances

In British English, collective nouns like “army” can take plural verbs:

  • The army are preparing for deployment.

In American English, they usually take singular verbs:

  • The army is preparing for deployment.

But when pluralized (“armies”), use plural agreement in both dialects.

10.2 Historical Linguistics of “Army” and Plural Forms

“Army” comes from Old French armée, Latin armata meaning “armed force.”

In Middle English, pluralization rules for -y endings developed into today’s pattern (change y to ies after consonant).

10.3 Plurals in Metaphorical and Figurative Language

Metaphors can influence pluralization:

  • Armies of ants
  • Armies of volunteers
  • Armies of data scientists

Here, “armies” highlights the size or impact of the group, not literal military forces.

10.4 Compound Nouns with “Army”

Pluralize the main noun, not the modifier:

  • army base → army bases
  • army officer → army officers
  • army camp → army camps
  • army unit → army units
Compound Noun Plural Form
army base army bases
army general army generals
army truck army trucks
army cadet army cadets
army headquarters army headquarters

10.5 Pluralization in Idioms and Fixed Expressions

Some expressions remain fixed even when plural could be logical:

  • Join the army (fixed, usually singular)
  • Go into the army

Rarely pluralized in idioms. Instead, context dictates plural:

  • They joined different armies during the war.

11. FAQ Section

  1. What is the plural of “army”?
    The plural of “army” is armies.
  2. Why is the plural of “army” not “armys”?
    Because nouns ending with consonant + y change the “y” to “ies” to form the plural.
  3. When should I use “armies” vs. “army”?
    Use armies when talking about multiple groups. Use army when referring to one group.
  4. Is “army” a collective noun, and how does that affect pluralization?
    Yes, it refers to a group as one unit. It can be pluralized to “armies” when referring to multiple groups.
  5. Can “armies” be used metaphorically?
    Yes, such as in “armies of volunteers” or “armies of ants.”
  6. Are there exceptions to the plural rules for “army”?
    No, it follows the regular rule for consonant + y nouns.
  7. How do British and American English differ in using “army”/”armies”?
    British English may use plural verbs with singular “army”; American English prefers singular verbs. Both use “armies” as plural.
  8. Is “armies” used with plural or singular verbs?
    Plural verbs: “Armies are preparing.”
  9. How do I pronounce “armies”?
    /ˈɑːrmiz/ with a voiced /z/ sound at the end.
  10. Is “The Salvation Army” pluralized as “Salvation Armies”?
    No, it is a proper noun and remains singular.
  11. What are common mistakes with pluralizing “army”?
    Writing “armys,” incorrect subject-verb agreement, or using “army” when plural is needed.
  12. How do I teach or learn the plural forms of similar nouns?
    Practice with examples, memorize the consonant + y rule, and use exercises like those in this guide.

12. Conclusion

To sum up, “army” is a countable, collective noun whose plural is “armies,” formed by changing -y to -ies. This pattern applies to many similar nouns.

Understanding when and how to use plurals like “armies” enables clear, correct English communication. Accurate pluralization signals whether you refer to one or multiple groups, helping avoid confusion.

Remember the nuances of collective nouns, metaphorical uses, and subject-verb agreement. Practice regularly using the examples and exercises here to reinforce your skills.

To master English grammar, continue exploring pluralization patterns, collective nouns, and other foundational concepts. Happy learning!

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