Spelling Rules -- Making Noun Plurals - Page 7

Rule 19: When a compound noun is a solid word, pluralize the final element in the compound as if it stood alone. See Table below.

1. printout -- printouts 2. flashback -- flashbacks 3. wineglass -- wineglasses 4. hatbox -- hatboxes 5. eyelash -- eyelashes 6. strawberry -- strawberries 7. bookshelf -- bookshelves 8. standby -- standbys 9. birthday -- birthdays 10. photocopy -- photocopies 11. grandchild -- grandchildren 12. foothold -- footholds 13. forefoot -- forefeet 14. toothbrush -- toothbrushes 15. mousetrap -- mousetraps 16. workman -- workmen 17. BUT - passerby -- passersby 18. BUT - talisman -- talismans

Rule 20: The plurals of hyphenated or spaced compounds are formed by pluralizing the chief element of the compound. See Table below.

1. father-in-law -- fathers-in-law 2. senator-elect -- senators-elect 3. looker-on -- lookers-on 4. runner-up -- runners-up 5. grant-in-aid -- grants-in-aid 6. bill of lading -- bills of lading 7. editor in chief -- editors in chief 8. rule of thumb -- rules of thumb 9. letter of credit -- letters of credit 10. leave of absence -- leaves of absence 11. attorney at law -- attorneys of law 12. deputy chief of staff -- deputy chiefs of staff 13. lieutenant general -- lieutenant generals 14. BUT - time-out -- time-outs 15. BUT - chaise lounge -- chaise lounges

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