When it comes to the plural of “roof,” it is pretty straightforward. The plural of “roof” is “roofs.”
According to the Oxford Dictionary, the standard plural form of the noun “roof” is “roofs.” However, there is also an occasional and recognized minority form, “rooves,” which is considered a disputed plural.
The use of “rooves” has been brought up by a correspondent to the Oxford Dictionary, and it is an example of a disputed plural. While it is recognized, it may still disturb some people who are more accustomed to using “roofs.”
It is worth noting that “roofs” is the plural form used in all varieties of English, and “rooves” is an old secondary form that is not common enough to be considered standard.
English is a language with many confusing words, and the plural forms of nouns can be one of them. However, the rules for creating the plural form of most English nouns are relatively simple. For instance, you add an “s” to the end of most words to make them plural.
Here is a table to illustrate the pluralization rules for English nouns:
| Singular Noun | Plural Noun |
|---|---|
| book | books |
| knife | knives |
| roof | roofs |
As you can see from the table, the plural of “roof” follows the standard rules for pluralizing English nouns.
Here are a few examples of how to use “roof” and “roofs” in sentences:
- The roof of the house was damaged in the storm.
- The roofs of the houses in the neighborhood are all different colors.
- The FE building has a flat roof.
- The carpenters roofed the house with shingles.
Why is the plural of roof not ‘rooves’?
As discussed earlier, the only correct term is “roofs.” Despite “rooves” being a common misspelling, it is not considered a standard plural form. Here are some reasons why “rooves” is not the correct plural form of “roof”:
- “Rooves” is an old secondary form that has fallen out of use over time. While it may still appear occasionally, it is not common enough to be considered a standard form.
- “Roofs” follows the standard rule for forming plurals in English, which is to add “-s” to the end of the word. Other examples of this rule include “books,” “cats,” and “dogs.”
- “Roofs” is the preferred plural form of “roof” in most style guides and dictionaries, including the Oxford English Dictionary.
Synonyms for Roofs
When it comes to the different types of roofs, there are many synonyms that can be used to describe them. Here are some of the most common synonyms for roofs that you can use:
- Canopies
- Tents
- Ceilings
- Awnings
- Domes
- Pavilions
- Umbrellas
- Covers
- Shelters
- Screens
- Shades
- Shields
- Canvases
- Marquees
- Flies
Each of these synonyms has its own unique characteristics and uses. For example, a canopy is a raised covering over something for decoration or protection, while a tent is a portable shelter made of fabric or other material stretched over a supporting framework of poles or ropes.
A pavilion is a large, often ornate, structure used for public or private events, while an awning is a sheet of canvas or other material stretched on a frame and used to keep the sun or rain off a storefront or window.
Understanding the different contexts in which the word “roof” can be used will help you use the correct plural form. Remember that “roofs” is the most common and accepted plural form in modern English.
