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ESL forum >
Grammar and Linguistics > Dwarfs or dwarves
Dwarfs or dwarves
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ynroko1
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Dwarfs or dwarves
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Hi.
We are reading Snow white and 7 dwarfs by Dysney with my students.
But I wonder which is correct plural: dwarfs or dwarves?
Which is the best plural form to use in teaching young children?
Thank you for the answers in advance.
Have a nice weekend.
Y.
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22 Oct 2010
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MoodyMoody
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ynroko1, you �re in luck! Both plurals are correct. As for which one to teach, it depends on different factors. If you also plan to show the movie, I believe Disney used "dwarves." Of course, "dwarfs" is more regular and easier. However, if you are teaching f and fe plurals, "dwarves" is another to add to your list.
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22 Oct 2010
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edrodmedina
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It depends on how short they are.... Only kidding...both are acceptable. |
22 Oct 2010
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yanogator
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Because "dwarves" follows the pattern of knives, lives, leaves, etc, I recommend "dwarves". As Ed said, however, both are acceptable. As you said, Disney used "dwarfs", but it definitely isn �t as common (Maybe it was in 1939).
Bruce |
22 Oct 2010
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sulekra
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Both can be used, though I myself only ever use dwarves. I �ve heard before that Tolkien invented dwarves to match elves, though I �m not sure if that �s true or just an urban legend...
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22 Oct 2010
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libertybelle
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I learned that dwarfs like roofs were irregular - and therefore they don �t become plural with the ves ending.
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22 Oct 2010
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uaeeye2
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NOUNS that end in F or FE change the F to V and receive ES for the plural:
elf - elves
knife � knives
leaf � leaves
life � lives
There are a few exceptions to this rule:
roof � roofs
handkerchief � handkerchiefs
Both forms of plural, with FS or VES are accepted in the case of the nouns:
dwarf, hoof, scarf, wharf.
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22 Oct 2010
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ldthemagicman
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ynroko1,
Here is a list of the most common words.
scarf scarves; turf turves; wharf wharves; calf calves; life lives; wife wives; half halves; loaf loaves; wolf wolves; knife knives; shelf shelves; leaf leaves; elf elves; self selves; sheaf sheaves; roof rooves; chief chieves; handkerchief handkerchieves; hoof hooves; thief thieves; dwarf dwarves
I think that I can say that I have never heard scarfs; turfs; wharfs; calfs; lifes; wifes; loafs; wolfs; knifes; leafs; elfs; selfs; thiefs --- only those words underlined: halfs; shelfs; sheafs; roofs; chiefs; handkerchiefs; hoofs; dwarfs.
The following, (and there are more), do not take �v�: oaf oafs; proof proofs; belief beliefs; chef chefs; gulf gulfs; muff muffs; reef reefs; serf serfs; toff toffs; waif waifs.
This is my experience, but others will differ in their opinion.
I would teach the �f � into �v � rule, but indicate that not everyone follows the rules.
The probability is that, in 50 years time, the �rule � will disappear.
Les |
22 Oct 2010
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mourad1O
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For me, it �s better to use dwarves than dwarfs which had a negative connotation in the past. It also goes with the rule of forming plural nouns ending with "f". Later the learners will come across the other form.
good luck
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23 Oct 2010
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edrodmedina
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Sulekra...you gotta stop using dwarves specially w/o their permission. |
23 Oct 2010
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sulekra
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Don �t worry Edrod, my forge pays very well and they �re all union members;D
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23 Oct 2010
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