In general, a noun has two forms: singular and plural. However, some nouns are used in plural only. In regular communications you should avoid their singular forms that probably confuse your listeners or readers.
We summarize these words into 4 groups:
- Things consisting of a pair of stuffs
- Nouns ending with "-ing"
- Other nouns that hardly used in singular
- Use plural meanings in phrase
1. Things consisting of a pair of stuffs
scissors
trousers
pants
shorts
jeans
briefs
compasses
scales
pliers
tongs
glasses
spectacles
earphones
braces
cords
binoculars
knichers
sunglasses
tights
overalls
trunks
pyjamas
underpants
slacks
specs
2. Nouns ending with -ing
belongings
surroundings
tidings
winnings
savings
findings
clippings
earnings
writings
sweepings
doings
shavings
3. Nouns that hardly used in singular
These nouns are usually to express plural meaning so they aren't used in singular except in rare cases.
contents
arms
fireworks
remains
assets
congratulations
thanks
quarters
clothes
outskirts
valuables
ashes
riches
amends
annals
archives
arrears
bowels
dregs
stairs
guts
particulars
dominoes
goods
greens
tropics
dues
brains
forces
4. Use plural meanings in phrase
In some fixed phrases, the nouns are usually in plural though these nouns can be singular in other scenarios.
authorities
country authorities
sights
see the sights
pictures
go to the pictures
airs
put on airs
resources
natural resources
effects
personal effects
spirits
high spirits
affairs
internal affairs
conditions
working conditions
manners
good manners
refreshments
serve refreshments
talks
hold talks
expenses
travel expenses
relations
diplomatic relations
5. Singular ends with -s
Last but not least, we show some nouns look like plural, e.g. end with "-s", but are absolutely singular nouns. Don't be confused by them.
Disease names
diabetes
measles
mumps
rabies
rickets
shingles
syphillis
Science subjects
physics
linguistics
economics
statistics
acoustics
aeronautics
electronics
genetics
mathematics
logistics
mechanics
politics
Some activities
cards
darts
acrobatics
athletics
billiards
draughts