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17.01.2017 Feature Article

Language Agenda: When "S" Does Not Indicate Plurality 

The WriterThe Writer
17.01.2017 LISTEN

Introduction
The morpheme "S" can be described as a utility player in the game of Morphology. It has various relationships with various word classes for various morphological results and various grammatical implications. Let us consider the following illustrations:

Illustration
S-plurality
In nouns, "S" indicates plurality. Examples are:

● Kataali is a strong boy. (Singular)
● Azindoo loves teaching boyS. (Plural)
● Suglo has a book. (Singular)
● Dawuni has bought many Journalism bookS. (Plural)

S-Singualrity
It is a basic grammatical principle that "S" is added to a verb when the verb is conjugated to present simple tense in Third Person Singular. Below are examples:

● He writeS notes on Communication Studies.
● She drinkS water.
● Azinpaga learnS French.
"S" in prepositions
In special cases, prepositions can enjoy a relationship with "S." However, when this happens, the prepositions become nouns in usage. Examples:

● Life is full of upS and downS.
S-Possessive
Sometimes "S" is used to indicate possession in English. Examples:

● Naporoo'S latest car is black.
● I saw Niina'S mother yesterday.
Conclusion
Colleague learner, although you may be using the "S" morpheme in all contexts correctly, it is instructive to understand the morphological and grammatical bases of its usage. To master these bases would, undeniably, enhance the quality of the use of "S" as a utility player.

Dedication
This disccourse is edicated to the Editorial Board of Modernghana.com for their role in language education and national development.

The writer is a Lecturer, University of Applied Management, Germany - Ghana Campus, Mccarthy Hill, Accra.

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