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๐ Content updated on 21 April 2026
⚥ Noun Gender, Number & Case – Quick Summary:
Gender tells us if a noun is masculine (boy, lion), feminine (girl, lioness), common (teacher, student), or neuter (book, tree). Number shows singular (one) or plural (many). Case shows the noun's role: subject (nominative), object (accusative), or possession (possessive).
๐ง๐ซ Instructions for Teachers & Students: Read each question carefully. Identify the gender, number, or case as asked. Then click “Show Answer” for a clear explanation and a fresh example with nouns highlighted in bold green.
๐ง๐ซ Instructions for Teachers & Students: Read each question carefully. Identify the gender, number, or case as asked. Then click “Show Answer” for a clear explanation and a fresh example with nouns highlighted in bold green.
In this worksheet:
(Click any topic to jump straight to that section)
Understanding gender, number, and case helps you use nouns correctly in sentences. For more on nouns, visit the
Nouns and Pronouns hub.
Ready for pronouns? Try the
Pronouns worksheet
next — it builds perfectly on today's skills.
✅ Solved Examples (20 Questions with Answers)
Study these model answers. They show how to identify gender, change number, and recognise case.
Solved Q.1
What is the gender of 'lion'?
Show Answer
Answer: Masculine
Explanation: 'Lion' refers to a male animal. The feminine form is 'lioness'. Nouns that denote males are masculine gender.
Example: The tiger is a fierce masculine animal.
Explanation: 'Lion' refers to a male animal. The feminine form is 'lioness'. Nouns that denote males are masculine gender.
Example: The tiger is a fierce masculine animal.
Solved Q.2
Give the plural of 'child'.
Show Answer
Answer: children
Explanation: 'Child' is an irregular noun. Its plural is 'children' (vowel change + 'ren'). Most nouns just add '-s' or '-es', but some change completely.
Example: The children played with the oxen in the field.
Explanation: 'Child' is an irregular noun. Its plural is 'children' (vowel change + 'ren'). Most nouns just add '-s' or '-es', but some change completely.
Example: The children played with the oxen in the field.
Solved Q.3
Identify the case of 'Rahul' in: "Rahul kicked the ball."
Show Answer
Answer: Nominative case (Subject)
Explanation: 'Rahul' is doing the action (kicking). The noun performing the verb is in the nominative or subjective case.
Example: Priya sang a beautiful song.
Explanation: 'Rahul' is doing the action (kicking). The noun performing the verb is in the nominative or subjective case.
Example: Priya sang a beautiful song.
Solved Q.4
What is the feminine gender of 'actor'?
Show Answer
Answer: actress
Explanation: Many masculine nouns ending in '-or' or '-er' change to '-ress' to form the feminine. 'Actor' becomes 'actress'.
Example: The actress received an award.
Explanation: Many masculine nouns ending in '-or' or '-er' change to '-ress' to form the feminine. 'Actor' becomes 'actress'.
Example: The actress received an award.
Solved Q.5
Write the singular of 'mice'.
Show Answer
Answer: mouse
Explanation: 'Mouse' is an irregular noun. It changes the vowel sound to become plural: 'mice'. Other examples: goose/geese, tooth/teeth.
Example: A tiny mouse ran across the floor.
Explanation: 'Mouse' is an irregular noun. It changes the vowel sound to become plural: 'mice'. Other examples: goose/geese, tooth/teeth.
Example: A tiny mouse ran across the floor.
Solved Q.6
"I gave the book to my friend." What is the case of 'friend'?
Show Answer
Answer: Objective case (Object)
Explanation: 'Friend' receives the action (receiving the book). Nouns that are the object of a verb or preposition are in objective case.
Example: She helped her mother in the kitchen.
Explanation: 'Friend' receives the action (receiving the book). Nouns that are the object of a verb or preposition are in objective case.
Example: She helped her mother in the kitchen.
Solved Q.7
Is 'teacher' masculine, feminine, common, or neuter?
Show Answer
Answer: Common gender
Explanation: 'Teacher' can refer to a male or female without changing form. Nouns that can be used for both sexes are common gender.
Example: The doctor treated the patient with care.
Explanation: 'Teacher' can refer to a male or female without changing form. Nouns that can be used for both sexes are common gender.
Example: The doctor treated the patient with care.
Solved Q.8
Plural of 'knife'?
Show Answer
Answer: knives
Explanation: Nouns ending in '-f' or '-fe' often change to '-ves' in plural. 'Knife' becomes 'knives'. Similarly: wife/wives, leaf/leaves.
Example: She sharpened the knives in the drawer.
Explanation: Nouns ending in '-f' or '-fe' often change to '-ves' in plural. 'Knife' becomes 'knives'. Similarly: wife/wives, leaf/leaves.
Example: She sharpened the knives in the drawer.
Solved Q.9
"This is Raj's bicycle." Identify the case of 'Raj'.
Show Answer
Answer: Possessive case
Explanation: 'Raj's' shows ownership of the bicycle. The possessive case is usually formed by adding apostrophe + 's' ('s).
Example: Priya's bag is on the chair.
Explanation: 'Raj's' shows ownership of the bicycle. The possessive case is usually formed by adding apostrophe + 's' ('s).
Example: Priya's bag is on the chair.
Solved Q.10
What is the gender of 'table'?
Show Answer
Answer: Neuter gender
Explanation: 'Table' is a lifeless object. Nouns that are neither male nor female are neuter gender. They are often referred to as 'it'.
Example: The book is on the shelf.
Explanation: 'Table' is a lifeless object. Nouns that are neither male nor female are neuter gender. They are often referred to as 'it'.
Example: The book is on the shelf.
Solved Q.11
Feminine of 'hero'?
Show Answer
Answer: heroine
Explanation: 'Hero' adds '-ine' to form the feminine 'heroine'. Some nouns follow this pattern: host/hostess, but here it's specific.
Example: The heroine of the film inspired many.
Explanation: 'Hero' adds '-ine' to form the feminine 'heroine'. Some nouns follow this pattern: host/hostess, but here it's specific.
Example: The heroine of the film inspired many.
Solved Q.12
Plural of 'ox'?
Show Answer
Answer: oxen
Explanation: 'Ox' is an old English noun that takes the '-en' plural ending. Few words still use this: child/children, ox/oxen.
Example: The farmer used two oxen to plough the field.
Explanation: 'Ox' is an old English noun that takes the '-en' plural ending. Few words still use this: child/children, ox/oxen.
Example: The farmer used two oxen to plough the field.
Solved Q.13
"The students' classroom was decorated." Case of 'students'?
Show Answer
Answer: Possessive case (plural)
Explanation: 'Students'' with an apostrophe after the 's' shows ownership by more than one student. Plural possessive is formed by adding an apostrophe after the plural '-s'.
Example: The girls' team won the match.
Explanation: 'Students'' with an apostrophe after the 's' shows ownership by more than one student. Plural possessive is formed by adding an apostrophe after the plural '-s'.
Example: The girls' team won the match.
Solved Q.14
Gender of 'prince' and its feminine.
Show Answer
Answer: Masculine; feminine: princess
Explanation: 'Prince' is male royalty. The feminine is 'princess' (add '-ess').
Example: The prince and princess waved to the crowd.
Explanation: 'Prince' is male royalty. The feminine is 'princess' (add '-ess').
Example: The prince and princess waved to the crowd.
Solved Q.15
Singular of 'teeth'.
Show Answer
Answer: tooth
Explanation: Another vowel-change irregular plural. 'Tooth' becomes 'teeth' by changing 'oo' to 'ee'.
Example: The baby's first tooth appeared.
Explanation: Another vowel-change irregular plural. 'Tooth' becomes 'teeth' by changing 'oo' to 'ee'.
Example: The baby's first tooth appeared.
Solved Q.16
"Mother baked a cake." Case of 'Mother'?
Show Answer
Answer: Nominative case (Subject)
Explanation: 'Mother' performs the action of baking. Subject of the verb = nominative case.
Example: Grandfather told an interesting story.
Explanation: 'Mother' performs the action of baking. Subject of the verb = nominative case.
Example: Grandfather told an interesting story.
Solved Q.17
Is 'baby' common or neuter?
Show Answer
Answer: Common gender
Explanation: 'Baby' can be a boy or girl. Unless specified, it's common gender. Sometimes people say 'it' for a baby, but grammatically it's common.
Example: The baby smiled at its mother.
Explanation: 'Baby' can be a boy or girl. Unless specified, it's common gender. Sometimes people say 'it' for a baby, but grammatically it's common.
Example: The baby smiled at its mother.
Solved Q.18
Plural of 'cactus'.
Show Answer
Answer: cacti or cactuses
Explanation: 'Cactus' is a Latin-derived word. It can take the Latin plural 'cacti' or the regular English plural 'cactuses'. Both are correct.
Example: The desert had many cacti.
Explanation: 'Cactus' is a Latin-derived word. It can take the Latin plural 'cacti' or the regular English plural 'cactuses'. Both are correct.
Example: The desert had many cacti.
Solved Q.19
"He sat on the chair." Case of 'chair'?
Show Answer
Answer: Objective case (Object of preposition)
Explanation: 'Chair' follows the preposition 'on'. Nouns after prepositions are objects of the preposition, hence objective case.
Example: The cat slept under the table.
Explanation: 'Chair' follows the preposition 'on'. Nouns after prepositions are objects of the preposition, hence objective case.
Example: The cat slept under the table.
Solved Q.20
Feminine of 'peacock'.
Show Answer
Answer: peahen
Explanation: 'Peacock' is specifically the male bird. The female is 'peahen'. Together they are 'peafowl'. This is a completely different word.
Example: The peahen has less colourful feathers than the peacock.
Explanation: 'Peacock' is specifically the male bird. The female is 'peahen'. Together they are 'peafowl'. This is a completely different word.
Example: The peahen has less colourful feathers than the peacock.
Hindi grammar also deals with gender (เคฒिंเค), number (เคตเคเคจ), and case (เคाเคฐเค). Explore more at the
Sangya (Noun) Hub.
Need practice with pronouns? The
Pronouns worksheet
is an excellent next step.
✏️ Practice Questions (20 Questions with Answers)
Now apply what you've learned. Identify gender, number, or case on your own first, then check.
Practice Q.1
Gender of 'queen'?
Show Answer
Answer: Feminine
Explanation: 'Queen' refers specifically to a female monarch. The masculine is 'king'.
Example: The queen addressed her subjects.
Explanation: 'Queen' refers specifically to a female monarch. The masculine is 'king'.
Example: The queen addressed her subjects.
Practice Q.2
Plural of 'foot'.
Show Answer
Answer: feet
Explanation: 'Foot' changes vowel from 'oo' to 'ee' to form the irregular plural 'feet'.
Example: Her feet were tired after the long walk.
Explanation: 'Foot' changes vowel from 'oo' to 'ee' to form the irregular plural 'feet'.
Example: Her feet were tired after the long walk.
Practice Q.3
"The boy threw the stone." Case of 'stone'?
Show Answer
Answer: Objective case (Direct object)
Explanation: 'Stone' receives the action of throwing. Direct objects are in objective case.
Example: The boy kicked the ball.
Explanation: 'Stone' receives the action of throwing. Direct objects are in objective case.
Example: The boy kicked the ball.
Practice Q.4
Feminine of 'tiger'.
Show Answer
Answer: tigress
Explanation: 'Tiger' adds '-ess' to form 'tigress'. Common pattern for some masculine nouns.
Example: The tigress protected her cubs.
Explanation: 'Tiger' adds '-ess' to form 'tigress'. Common pattern for some masculine nouns.
Example: The tigress protected her cubs.
Practice Q.5
Plural of 'loaf'.
Show Answer
Answer: loaves
Explanation: 'Loaf' ends in '-f', so change to '-ves' in plural: 'loaves'.
Example: She bought two loaves of bread.
Explanation: 'Loaf' ends in '-f', so change to '-ves' in plural: 'loaves'.
Example: She bought two loaves of bread.
Practice Q.6
"This is my parents' house." Case of 'parents'?
Show Answer
Answer: Possessive case (plural)
Explanation: 'Parents'' shows ownership by both parents. Apostrophe after the 's' indicates plural possessive.
Example: The teachers' lounge is on the second floor.
Explanation: 'Parents'' shows ownership by both parents. Apostrophe after the 's' indicates plural possessive.
Example: The teachers' lounge is on the second floor.
Practice Q.7
Gender of 'friend'.
Show Answer
Answer: Common gender
Explanation: 'Friend' can be male or female. It's a common gender noun.
Example: My friend helped me with the project.
Explanation: 'Friend' can be male or female. It's a common gender noun.
Example: My friend helped me with the project.
Practice Q.8
Singular of 'women'.
Show Answer
Answer: woman
Explanation: 'Woman' changes the 'a' to 'e' for plural. Singular: woman, plural: women.
Example: A brave woman rescued the child.
Explanation: 'Woman' changes the 'a' to 'e' for plural. Singular: woman, plural: women.
Example: A brave woman rescued the child.
Practice Q.9
"The captain gave orders." Case of 'captain'?
Show Answer
Answer: Nominative case (Subject)
Explanation: 'Captain' is doing the action of giving. Subject of verb → nominative case.
Example: The coach encouraged the players.
Explanation: 'Captain' is doing the action of giving. Subject of verb → nominative case.
Example: The coach encouraged the players.
Practice Q.10
Feminine of 'bull'.
Show Answer
Answer: cow
Explanation: 'Bull' is the male, 'cow' is the female. This is a different root word, not just a suffix change.
Example: The cow gave fresh milk.
Explanation: 'Bull' is the male, 'cow' is the female. This is a different root word, not just a suffix change.
Example: The cow gave fresh milk.
Practice Q.11
Plural of 'deer'.
Show Answer
Answer: deer
Explanation: 'Deer' is one of the few nouns that has the same singular and plural form. Other examples: sheep, fish (sometimes fishes).
Example: We saw three deer in the forest.
Explanation: 'Deer' is one of the few nouns that has the same singular and plural form. Other examples: sheep, fish (sometimes fishes).
Example: We saw three deer in the forest.
Practice Q.12
"The children's toys were scattered." Case of 'children'?
Show Answer
Answer: Possessive case (plural)
Explanation: 'Children' is already plural. To show possession, we add apostrophe + 's': children's.
Example: The men's room is down the hall.
Explanation: 'Children' is already plural. To show possession, we add apostrophe + 's': children's.
Example: The men's room is down the hall.
Practice Q.13
Gender of 'car'.
Show Answer
Answer: Neuter gender
Explanation: 'Car' is an inanimate object. Neuter gender. Sometimes people say 'she' for a car affectionately, but grammatically neuter.
Example: The car needs new tyres.
Explanation: 'Car' is an inanimate object. Neuter gender. Sometimes people say 'she' for a car affectionately, but grammatically neuter.
Example: The car needs new tyres.
Practice Q.14
Plural of 'crisis'.
Show Answer
Answer: crises
Explanation: 'Crisis' is Greek in origin. It changes '-is' to '-es' in plural: crises (pronounced CRY-seez).
Example: The country faced many crises that year.
Explanation: 'Crisis' is Greek in origin. It changes '-is' to '-es' in plural: crises (pronounced CRY-seez).
Example: The country faced many crises that year.
Practice Q.15
"Ravi's sister is a doctor." Case of 'Ravi'?
Show Answer
Answer: Possessive case
Explanation: 'Ravi's' shows that the sister belongs to Ravi. Apostrophe + 's' indicates possession.
Example: Amit's bag is new.
Explanation: 'Ravi's' shows that the sister belongs to Ravi. Apostrophe + 's' indicates possession.
Example: Amit's bag is new.
Practice Q.16
Feminine of 'horse'.
Show Answer
Answer: mare
Explanation: 'Horse' is general, but specifically male horse is 'stallion' and female is 'mare'. 'Mare' is the feminine.
Example: The mare galloped across the field.
Explanation: 'Horse' is general, but specifically male horse is 'stallion' and female is 'mare'. 'Mare' is the feminine.
Example: The mare galloped across the field.
Practice Q.17
Plural of 'goose'.
Show Answer
Answer: geese
Explanation: 'Goose' follows the vowel change pattern: 'oo' to 'ee' for plural 'geese'.
Example: A flock of geese flew overhead.
Explanation: 'Goose' follows the vowel change pattern: 'oo' to 'ee' for plural 'geese'.
Example: A flock of geese flew overhead.
Practice Q.18
"She wrote a letter to the principal." Case of 'principal'?
Show Answer
Answer: Objective case (Indirect object)
Explanation: 'Principal' receives the letter indirectly. The direct object is 'letter'. The indirect object is also objective case.
Example: I gave my friend a gift.
Explanation: 'Principal' receives the letter indirectly. The direct object is 'letter'. The indirect object is also objective case.
Example: I gave my friend a gift.
Practice Q.19
Gender of 'student'.
Show Answer
Answer: Common gender
Explanation: 'Student' can refer to a boy or a girl. It's a common gender noun.
Example: Every student must submit the assignment.
Explanation: 'Student' can refer to a boy or a girl. It's a common gender noun.
Example: Every student must submit the assignment.
Practice Q.20
Plural of 'man'.
Show Answer
Answer: men
Explanation: 'Man' changes the vowel to 'e' for plural: 'men'. Irregular plural.
Example: Three men lifted the heavy box.
Explanation: 'Man' changes the vowel to 'e' for plural: 'men'. Irregular plural.
Example: Three men lifted the heavy box.
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๐ Challenge Questions (10 Questions with Answers)
These need careful thinking. Some sentences test multiple concepts at once.
Challenge Q.1
"The geese's honking woke up the farmer." Identify gender, number, and case of 'geese'.
Show Answer
Answer: Gender: common (can be male/female); Number: plural; Case: possessive
Explanation: 'Geese' is plural of 'goose'. 'Geese's' with apostrophe shows possession. Goose is common gender unless specified.
Example: The mice's nest was hidden behind the cupboard.
Explanation: 'Geese' is plural of 'goose'. 'Geese's' with apostrophe shows possession. Goose is common gender unless specified.
Example: The mice's nest was hidden behind the cupboard.
Challenge Q.2
"The alumni of this college are successful." What is the singular of 'alumni' and its gender?
Show Answer
Answer: Singular: alumnus (masculine) or alumna (feminine)
Explanation: 'Alumni' is the plural of 'alumnus' (male graduate). The feminine is 'alumna', plural 'alumnae'. 'Alumni' is often used for mixed groups.
Example: She is an alumna of the university.
Explanation: 'Alumni' is the plural of 'alumnus' (male graduate). The feminine is 'alumna', plural 'alumnae'. 'Alumni' is often used for mixed groups.
Example: She is an alumna of the university.
Challenge Q.3
"The criteria for selection were strict." Singular form of 'criteria' and its number in the sentence.
Show Answer
Answer: Singular: criterion; Number in sentence: plural
Explanation: 'Criteria' is the plural of 'criterion'. The verb 'were' confirms it's plural.
Example: One criterion was the most important.
Explanation: 'Criteria' is the plural of 'criterion'. The verb 'were' confirms it's plural.
Example: One criterion was the most important.
Challenge Q.4
"The sheep's wool was thick." Is 'sheep' singular or plural? What is its case?
Show Answer
Answer: Could be singular or plural; Case: possessive
Explanation: 'Sheep' has the same singular and plural form. The apostrophe + 's' shows possession, so it's possessive case.
Example: The sheep's pen was clean. (one sheep) / The sheep's pen was clean. (many sheep)
Explanation: 'Sheep' has the same singular and plural form. The apostrophe + 's' shows possession, so it's possessive case.
Example: The sheep's pen was clean. (one sheep) / The sheep's pen was clean. (many sheep)
Challenge Q.5
Give the feminine of 'bachelor' and 'wizard'.
Show Answer
Answer: spinster (bachelor); witch (wizard)
Explanation: 'Bachelor' (unmarried man) has feminine 'spinster' (unmarried woman). 'Wizard' (male magician) has feminine 'witch'.
Example: The witch cast a spell.
Explanation: 'Bachelor' (unmarried man) has feminine 'spinster' (unmarried woman). 'Wizard' (male magician) has feminine 'witch'.
Example: The witch cast a spell.
Challenge Q.6
"The data shows interesting trends." Is 'data' singular or plural? What is its singular form?
Show Answer
Answer: Plural (traditionally); Singular form: datum
Explanation: 'Data' is the plural of 'datum'. However, in modern usage, 'data' is often treated as a singular mass noun. Here verb 'shows' indicates singular usage.
Example: Each datum was carefully recorded.
Explanation: 'Data' is the plural of 'datum'. However, in modern usage, 'data' is often treated as a singular mass noun. Here verb 'shows' indicates singular usage.
Example: Each datum was carefully recorded.
Challenge Q.7
"The children's mother bought them ice-cream." Identify case of 'children' and 'mother'.
Show Answer
Answer: children: possessive; mother: nominative
Explanation: 'Children's' shows ownership. 'Mother' is the subject of the verb 'bought' → nominative case.
Example: The boys' coach praised them.
Explanation: 'Children's' shows ownership. 'Mother' is the subject of the verb 'bought' → nominative case.
Example: The boys' coach praised them.
Challenge Q.8
Give the masculine of 'bride' and 'nun'.
Show Answer
Answer: bridegroom (bride); monk (nun)
Explanation: 'Bride' (woman getting married) masculine is 'bridegroom' or 'groom'. 'Nun' (female religious) masculine is 'monk'.
Example: The bridegroom arrived on a horse.
Explanation: 'Bride' (woman getting married) masculine is 'bridegroom' or 'groom'. 'Nun' (female religious) masculine is 'monk'.
Example: The bridegroom arrived on a horse.
Challenge Q.9
"I met my brother-in-law's friends." Plural of 'brother-in-law' and case of 'brother-in-law'.
Show Answer
Answer: Plural: brothers-in-law; Case: possessive
Explanation: Compound nouns add '-s' to the main word: 'brothers-in-law'. Here it's singular possessive 'brother-in-law's'.
Example: My sisters-in-law's house is nearby.
Explanation: Compound nouns add '-s' to the main word: 'brothers-in-law'. Here it's singular possessive 'brother-in-law's'.
Example: My sisters-in-law's house is nearby.
Challenge Q.10
"The police are investigating the case." Is 'police' singular or plural? What gender is it?
Show Answer
Answer: Plural (collective); Gender: common
Explanation: 'Police' is treated as plural (verb 'are'). It refers to a group, but as a noun it's common gender because it includes men and women.
Example: The staff are having a meeting.
Explanation: 'Police' is treated as plural (verb 'are'). It refers to a group, but as a noun it's common gender because it includes men and women.
Example: The staff are having a meeting.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Quick answers about noun gender, number, and case.
FAQ 1
What are the four genders of nouns?
Show Answer
Answer: 1. Masculine (male: boy, king). 2. Feminine (female: girl, queen). 3. Common (either male or female: teacher, child). 4. Neuter (lifeless objects: table, book).
FAQ 2
How do I form plurals of nouns ending in '-y'?
Show Answer
Answer: If a consonant comes before '-y', change 'y' to 'i' and add '-es': baby → babies, city → cities. If a vowel comes before '-y', just add '-s': boy → boys, day → days.
FAQ 3
What is the difference between nominative and objective case?
Show Answer
Answer: Nominative case is for the subject (who does the action): "Rahul runs." Objective case is for the object (who receives the action): "I saw Rahul."
FAQ 4
How do I form possessive case for plural nouns?
Show Answer
Answer: If plural ends in '-s', just add an apostrophe: girls' books. If plural does not end in '-s', add apostrophe + 's': children's toys, men's shoes.
FAQ 5
Give five irregular plurals that don't follow rules.
Show Answer
Answer: child → children, mouse → mice, foot → feet, tooth → teeth, person → people.
