Teaching Students About the Plural of “Summons”

As English teachers, it is our responsibility to equip our students with the necessary skills to communicate effectively. One of the basic aspects of English grammar is knowing how to form plurals. However, many students struggle with the plural forms of certain words, such as summons, which can be a tricky word to pluralize.
A summons is a legal document that requires a person to appear in court. The plural form of summons is summonses. This plural form can be confusing for students, as the word ends in “s” and some may think that it should just be spelled “summons” for both singular and plural forms.
To help students understand the concept of pluralizing summons, the following steps can be used:
1. Explain to students what a summons is and give them examples of how it is used in legal proceedings.
2. Write the singular and plural forms of summons on the board, side by side. Ask students to identify the differences in spelling between the two forms.
3. Have students practice using the plural form in sentences. For example, “The court issued several summonses to individuals who failed to appear in court.”
4. To reinforce the concept, give students a worksheet with examples of singular nouns and ask them to write the corresponding plural form. Include summonses in the list as well.
5. Finally, incorporate the word into daily language exercises. Use the word in conversations, reading activities, and in writing tasks.
By following these steps, students can gain a solid understanding of the proper pluralization of summons. This will help to ensure that they can communicate effectively in academic and professional settings, where accurate grammar and usage is crucial.
In conclusion, teaching students about the plural of “summons” is an important part of building their English language skills. By providing clear explanations, practice opportunities, and using the word in various contexts, students will become more confident in their ability to communicate effectively, both in spoken and written English.