Dictionary-enhanced plural guide
What is the Plural of “Mainly”?
This page treats the word as a noun when it has a countable noun use.
Singular and Plural Form of Mainly
Mainly is the singular noun form. Mainlies is the plural form.
Dictionary meaning: Used to show that something is true for most cases but not all.
Why is the Plural of Mainly “mainlies”?
The Regular Plural Rule for Mainly
When a word ends in consonant + y, change the y to -ies. Example: mainly → mainlies
How to Remember the Plural of Mainly
Just add -s to “mainly” to make “mainlies”. Most English nouns follow this pattern.
A common slip-up: Some learners say /meɪˈnli/ with stress on second syllable; correct is /ˈmeɪnli/..
Singular vs Plural Examples with Mainly
See mainly and mainlies used in real sentences side by side.
- The team is mainly men, with a few women. A2
- Our diet consists mainly of vegetables and rice. B1
- The book is mainly concerned with climate change. B2
How to Pronounce Mainly and Mainlies
Stress the first syllable: MAIN-ly. Do not say meyn-LEE.
Origin and Etymology of Mainly
From main + -ly suffix (forming adverbs).
Frequently Asked Questions About the Plural of Mainly
What is the plural of “mainly”?
The plural of “mainly” is “mainlies”.
Is “mainlies” regular or irregular?
This page classifies it as regular based on the available plural data.