How to Use Scarf Plural (Explained, Examples & Worksheet)

August 6, 2025

5 min read

By Yash, D

Both scarves and scarfs are correct ways to describe more than one scarf.

Plural Nouns

How to Use Scarf Plural (Explained, Examples & Worksheet)

Is “scarf” singular or plural?

👍🏼Usage Note

✓
She wrapped several warm knifes around her neck.

✗
He wore a single plaid scarves to the game.

Both scarves and scarfs are correct ways to describe more than one scarf. They are, however, pronounced differently: scarves is pronounced like skahr-vz; whereas scarfs is more like skahrf-s. There’s a harsh ‘f‘ sound on the second spelling that scarves omits.

Either way, both scarves and scarfs are correct plural forms to refer to these woollen and winter-stylish wardrobe essentials, the scarf (unless you mean he scarfed down his food, i.e., the verb; in which case, use scarfed for past tense).

Nouns that end in f or fe often switch to ves as a plural. — Nouns that end in -f/-fe often switch to -ves as a plural (like knife and scarf).

Nouns ending in -f/-fe and -ves

Singular	Plural
knife	knives
shelf	shelves
wife	wives
wolf	wolves

Nouns ending in -f/-fe and -ves. Chart by Grammarflex.

Scarves/scarfs, in sentences

Singular: “scarf”	Plural: “scarves/scarfs”
When you wear a silk scarf in the winter, there isn’t special need to reinvent the wheel.	Symbols of comfort and warmth, scarves have rightfully earned their status as winter wardrobe essentials.
The feel of a soft scarf loosely draped around your neck can be such a comforting touch.	I prefer nylon scarves over wool ones because they are less scratchy.
Draped over a top and paired with trousers, a solid coloured scarf will lend any look some sophistication.	From bright checkered prints to vibrant colour block styles, this season’s scarves feel modern and exciting.
A rich green scarf will convey a relaxed off-duty look.	There is quite a difference between the light, elegant scarfs of summer and the warm comfortable winter ones.

💡 Pro Grammar Tip

For “scarf” plurals, associate “scarves” with the softer ‘v’ sound and visualize multiple soft, flowing scarves; “scarfs” has a harsher ‘f’ sound, like a rougher texture.

Synonyms for scarf

Category	Examples
synonyms: scarf	bandanna, shawl, tie, kerchief, neckwear, cover-up, wrapping, overlay, ascot, stole

Practice: Scarf, singular vs. plural

FAQs

What are the correct plurals of scarf?
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Both “scarves” (irregular) and “scarfs” (regular) are correct plural forms for the clothing item that wraps around one’s neck.

Are both “scarves” and “scarfs” correct?
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Yes, both forms are correct ways to describe more than one scarf. They are pronounced differently but both forms are acceptable.

How do the scarf plurals differ?
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The primary difference is pronunciation. “Scarves” uses a soft ‘v’ sound (skahr-vz), whereas “scarfs” uses a harsh ‘f’ sound (skahrf-s).

What common plural mistakes occur?
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A common mistake is using the plural form for a singular noun, like “He wore a single plaid scarves.” Another error is using incorrect plurals for similar words, like “shelfs” instead of “shelves”.

What other nouns pluralize like scarf?
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Similar nouns ending in -f or -fe that switch to -ves for the plural include shelf/shelves, hoof/hooves, wolf/wolves, knife/knives, and life/lives.

Sources

“Ascot, N.” Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford UP, July 2023, https://doi.org/10.1093/OED/3173522279.

Yash, D. "How to Use Scarf Plural (Explained, Examples & Worksheet)." Grammarflex, Aug 24, 2025, https://grammarflex.com/scarf-plural/.

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