Final answer:
To pluralize a singular noun ending in 'y' preceded by a consonant, replace 'y' with 'i' and add 'es'. If 'y' follows a vowel, just add 's'. The rule reflects the pattern of maintaining soft sounds in English spelling.
Step-by-step explanation:
To pluralize a singular noun that ends in y preceded by a consonant, change the y to an i and add es. This rule applies to nouns where the letter y follows a consonant, and typically not when y is following a vowel. For example, the noun puppy becomes puppies when pluralized. However, if the noun ends in a y preceded by a vowel like in toy, you simply add s to make it toys.
Grammar rules also note that a soft c or soft g in English must be followed by e, i, or y to maintain their soft sounds. This is relevant to understanding why certain suffixes result in the modification of the base word, as seen in words like noticeable where the final e is not deleted before adding the suffix because it's not followed by e, i, or y.