Part of speaking the English language better is to know singular and plural form of English nouns. Stuff is a word you hear in various conversations. But what’s the plural form of stuff?
So, what’s the plural form of stuff?
The plural form of “stuff” is the same as its singular form, which is “stuff.” This is because this noun is uncountable (source). An uncountable noun is seen as a whole, either as one unit, one group, or a mass that combines several elements. Hence, you use its singular form even in the plural sense. You can make uncountable nouns like “stuff” countable and plural in meaning by using distributive determiners (source) and quantifiers.
There are different ways to express “stuff” in its plural context. Here, we will share some examples and clarifications that will help you correctly express this common English word in day-to-day conversations.
Is “stuffs” the plural of stuff?
No. “Stuffs” is not the plural of “stuff” for two reasons. The first reason is that they are different parts of speech. “Stuff” is a noun while “stuffs” is a verb.
As a noun, “stuff” is the word for both singular and plural forms that talk point to things, possessions, or personal effects. Here are some sentence examples:
My daughter often puts her personal stuff in the basement.
My daughter often puts a lot of personal stuff in the basement. (with quantifier)
As a verb, “stuffs” is the form for singular subjects and for actions in the present tense. In the singular tense, “stuffs” refers to the act of putting or placing items in the basement. For example:
My daughter (singular subject) often stuffs (present tense) her personal effects in the basement.
The second reason is that they have different meanings. In the previous sentence examples above, we can see that “stuff” refers to objects or items while “stuffs” meaning in English language is to place or put objects in a certain place. “Stuffs” can also mean to fill. For example:
She stuffs her pies with meat substitutes because she is a vegan.
How to correctly say the plural of stuff
Uncountable words like “stuff” usually take a singular form. However, there are ways you can make it countable in meaning (source). Below, we share different ways you can correctly make “stuff” to mean more than one.
Use a distributive determiner
Determiners introduce a noun. Hence, you must place them first before the noun word. A determiner can make “stuff” plural in meaning. In the following example, the distributive adjective “both” functions as a determiner for “stuff:”
Both of your stuff takes up a lot of space in the basement.
Use a quantifier
Quantifiers are expressions of quantity. They tell you how much or how many. You can also choose them instead of other determiners (source). Here is an example of how you can use a quantifier or expression of quantity to make “stuff” plural in meaning:
More stuff remains in the basement.
There are a variety of quantifiers that express plural meanings. Here are some more sentence examples:
- There is plenty of stuff to sort out in the basement.
- Some stuff was damaged from the flood.
- All that stuff is taking up a lot of space.
- Loads of stuff arrived today from the post office.
- Half of the stuff in the basement belongs to my daughter.
Is it correct to say “stuffs?”
Yes, and no. It is correct to say “stuffs” if you mean to express it as a verb. However, it is wrong to say “stuffs” if you mean it as a plural noun. The following sentence example is correct because “stuffs” is an action, which means to fill.
The boy usually stuffs his lunch box with candy.
In this next example, “stuffs” is an action word, which means to eat to fullness. Hence, the sentence is correct.
The child often stuffs himself every mealtime.
This next sentence is correct because “stuffs” is an action word, which means to put an item somewhere.
The girl stuffs her Barbie doll dresses in the closet together with her own clothes.
However, using the word “stuffs” in this last sentence example would be incorrect because you must utilize the singular noun form “stuff” to mean items or objects.
I bought a lot of stuff at the shops today.
Is stuff a collective noun?
Yes. A collective noun names a group of people and/or things. Singular verbs are generally used for collective nouns. Uncountable nouns can be considered as collective nouns when they refer to a group of people or things.
In the case of “stuff,” we consider it as both an uncountable noun and a collective noun. However, in the case of the word “love,” for example, we consider it as uncountable but not collective. This is because unlike “stuff,” “love” is a singular, whole concept or emotion.
Is stuff a proper English word?
Yes. Some people wonder if “stuff” is a real, legitimate English Word or just a slang word. Slang words are deemed permissible only for informal English language compositions and conversations.
In the case of the word “stuff,” this term is used in both formal and informal English writing and speaking. This is because “stuff” carries different meanings.
There are formal and informal usages of this word. We share this table below to show some formal and informal expressions of the word “stuff.”
[table id=6 /]
Frequently asked questions about stuff
Is it correct to say “other stuffs?”
No. “Other” is a determiner you can place before “stuff,” which is an uncount noun. The following sentence shows how you would say or write this expression correctly:
I have other stuff to put in the basement tomorrow.
Is it correct to say “all the stuffs?”
No. “All” is a determiner you can use for “stuff.” The sentence below shows how you would say or write this expression correctly:
All the stuff I need is right here.
Is “several” singular or plural for “stuff”?
Yes. “Several” expresses the plural of count nouns. You can also use it for the plural meaning of an uncount word, such as “stuff.” The sentences below show how “several” is correctly used:
Example 1: plural for count nouns
Nowadays, people stay indoors for several important reasons.
Example 2: plural for uncount nouns
Several of the stuff in the basement belongs to my daughter.
Final thoughts
The plural of stuff is also “stuff” because it is uncountable. To express it in its plural meaning, you have to utilize determiners such as “a few” or “more.” You may also utilize expressions of quantity such as “a lot of” and “loads of.” Remember to place any determiner or expression of quantity first before “stuff” in English writing and conversations.
Using the word “stuff” to express its singular and plural form can be confusing, but with constant practice, you will be able to master this common expression in the English language.
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