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Dictionary-enhanced plural guide

What is the Plural of “Primary”?

This page treats the word as a noun when it has a countable noun use.

SingularprimaryPluralprimaries
Rule: regularIPA: /ˈpraɪməri/

Singular and Plural Form of Primary

Primary is the singular noun form. Primaries is the plural form.

Dictionary meaning: The most important or first thing in a series or list.

Why is the Plural of Primary “primaries”?

The Regular Plural Rule for Primary

When a word ends in consonant + y, change the y to -ies. Example: primary → primaries

How to Remember the Plural of Primary

Just add -s to “primary” to make “primaries”. Most English nouns follow this pattern.

A common slip-up: Non-native speakers sometimes mispronounce the middle vowel as 'ay' instead of 'uh', saying 'pri-MARE-ee'..

Singular vs Plural Examples with Primary

See primary and primaries used in real sentences side by side.

  • The primary goal of the project is to improve customer satisfaction. B2
  • Water is the primary ingredient in this recipe. B1
  • Primary sources provide direct evidence for historical research. B2

Common Plural Mistakes with Primary

Wrong: The primary reason are budget constraints.

Correct: The primary reason is budget constraints.

Use singular verb 'is' with singular subject 'reason'.

How to Pronounce Primary and Primaries

Stress the first syllable: PRI-mer-ee. Rhymes with 'time of the sea'.

Origin and Etymology of Primary

From Latin 'primarius' meaning first, from 'primus' meaning first.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Plural of Primary

What is the plural of “primary”?

The plural of “primary” is “primaries”.

Is “primaries” regular or irregular?

This page classifies it as regular based on the available plural data.

Explore “Primary” in Other Tools