Business Nouns

Spelling Rules for nouns

· If the noun is singular or noncount/collective, do not put an “s” on the end.

· If the noun is plural (more than one), place an “s” or “es” on the end. Use “es” if the singular form of the noun ends in an “s” sound.

· If a noun ends in “y,” change the “y” to “i” and ad “es” to pluralize it.

Nouns name persons, places, things, or concepts. Nouns can be singular (wrench), plural (wrenches), or collective (noncount -- equipment). Even more confusing, some nouns can be treated as collective in some situations and singular/plural in others. In this case, the general rule of thumb is whether you are talking about something in a general sense or specific sense. For example, one can own a business or multiple businesses. However, one can also discuss “business” (collective items on an agenda) with someone. This latter usage is collective/noncount.

Place an “s” or “es” on the end of count nouns when there is more than one. Collective nouns, however, are always treated as singular. You never try to pluralize a collective/noncount noun by putting an “s” on the end. This is because a group of things are treated as a whole. “Tea” and “water” are common examples.

Many other grammatical rules and structures depend on whether a noun is singular, plural, or noncount (collective), so it’s important to have a good working understanding of this before moving forward.

Below is a list of nouns commonly used in business writing that are noncount (most of the time).

analysis business1 change1 composition 1

consumption cost1 demand1 dependence

electricity energy1 industry1 inflation

information investment jargon likelihood

management mitigation money oil

output1 potential probability1 production

property1 prosperity risk1 time1

uncertainty1 reliance research scope

sequence1 supply1 staff trade

work

1 Indicates a noun that can be noncount/collective when used generally or countable when used specifically

**Most abstract concepts, especially if the word ends in “ness,” “tion,” “ance,” or “ence.”**

Sometimes, how the noun is referenced in a phrase can give a clue as to whether the noun is singular or plural:

a piece of equipment

effects of inflation

barrels of oil

In each of the above examples, what follows “of” is noncount (collective).

Note: sometimes nouns can be used as adjectives to describe another noun (example: investment products – “investment” describes the type of products). When a noun is acting as an adjective, never put an “s” on the end of it.

Count/Noncount (i.e., Singular/Plural) Exercise

Please decide whether the nouns (person, place, thing, idea) in the following sentences are correct, or whether they should be treated as singular or plural. Please correct any that appear to be incorrect. Assume the verbs are correct (so subject-verb agreement is not the problem).

1. There are many risks to our business, The Mighty Gym, these days – from being closed for months to potential lawsuit from people who may catch COVID elsewhere.

2. Studying the laws is always valuable, but it requires a lot of time and researches.

3. Lowering business risk is the focus of our consulting firm.

4. So much of our time is focused on what we will do for work.

5. The investments has proven to be profitable over time.

6. That supply and demand should be in balance is the fundamental tenet that underlies much economic theory.

7. Managements is determining whether the company can afford to give raises to its staff.

8. Our businesses plan demonstrates the potential of our company.