Forming Plurals

When you need to write about a multiplicity of items, you need to be able to form plurals. Some plural forms are easy: If you have more than one cat, you have cats. This follows the most common way to form a plural in English -- add s to the end of the word (dogs, 4-H'ers, tools).

If a word ends in s you add es (buses, horses). This rule also applies to words that end in ch, sh, ss, tch, x, or zz (couches, axes, dishes, watches).

Many words ending in y form the plural by changing the y to ies (try becomes tries, kitty becomes kitties). When the y is preceded by a vowel, you usually just add an s (days, trays). For proper names where a consonant precedes the y, just add s (Kelly becomes Kellys).

Words ending in o sometimes cause confusion. Many form the plural by simply adding s (radios, solos, pianos), but others add es (potatoes, tornadoes, tomatoes). Check a dictionary if you're uncertain.

Form the plural of an individual letter by adding 's (A's, B's, C's, D's, F's). This is the one of the only times you use an apostrophe to form a plural (it helps avoid confusion with other words). Form the plural of multiple letters or single- or multiple-digit numbers without an apostrophe: ABCs, pdfs, 1970s, 1s.

There are other ways to form plurals in English. Consult a dictionary for correct spelling of any word you're unsure of. --Linda Gilmore lindagi@ksu.edu

Forming Plurals

Saving Money on Print Newsletters

The print newsletter continues to be an effective communication piece for local offices. The good news is that local offices should still be able to provide a quality print newsletter within budget. Here are some money-saving tips:

* Look for creative ways to distribute your newsletter. Save postage costs by putting the newsletter in racks at the local supermarket, café, hardware store, Co-op, or other public area.

* Use K-State Research and Extension's print shop to produce your newsletter. Because of quantity pricing, the Duplicating Center can produce your newsletter for less, and local offices don't have to pay the lease cost, copy charge and supplies for your own machine.

The Duplicating Center also is looking into the feasibility of providing distribution racks to counties at no charge. Learn more about the Duplicating Center's services by visiting www.communications.ksu.edu , or call Greg LeValley at 785-532-1158

Saving Money on Print Newsletters

Communicating in Tough Times

In tough budget times, it's important that you communicate and market your program more, not less. Here's some sensible ways to continue showing people the value of your programs:

1) Be very clear and consistent in your message. Make sure people clearly know the value in what you're offering.

2) Identify and understand your target audience. This helps you spend your time reaching folks who will most benefit from your information and who also may be advocates of your program.

3) Develop partnerships. Work with people who have similar goals. You might consider sharing the cost on an advertisement or insert or booth during a local event.

4) Further strengthen your focus on doing your best work for your clients and customers. Satisfied clients remember you, and when economic times get better, they'll continue to support you.

5) Don't cut corners on service. Brainstorm with your office staff on creative ways to offer the same great product (information) and service with less money.

Simply, remember to communicate and stay in front of clients and customers. Remain positive and position yourself as a group that makes the best of a tough situation.

For more communications tips or to share your own ideas, contact us at melgares@ksu.edu

Communicating in Tough Times