‘Wifes’ or ‘Wives’: How to Spell it Correctly?

Are you confused about whether 'wifes' or 'wives' is the correct spelling? This guide will help!

Here is a quick answer in case you are short on time: 

• 'Wifes' is a spelling or grammar error you should avoid using. 
• 'Wives' is the correct spelling of the plural form of wife. 

There is much more to learn though. So, stick around to learn how to correctly use 'wives' and the other forms of 'wife.'

What is the Correct Spelling, 'Wifes' or 'Wives?'

Many people get confused about whether 'wifes' or 'wives' is the correct spelling. That is because the singular form of 'wives' is wife. 

However, 'wifes' is never an acceptable spelling. If you are using the singular possessive noun, you always add an apostrophe before adding an s, for example:

• Wife's

When you are using the plural form of wife, you always change the f to a v and add an s, for example:

• Wives

If you are using the possessive form, you always add an apostrophe after the s, for example:

• Wives'

As you can see, 'wifes' is always either a spelling error or a grammatical error. On the other hand, 'wives' is a correct spelling, but it could be a grammatical error if you use it in the wrong context.

Definition of 'Wife'

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines 'wife' as a noun that means:

• A woman
• The female partner in a marriage
• A woman who acts in a specified capacity or role

Synonyms of 'Wife'

• Lady
• Woman
• Bride
• Widow
• Wifey
• Misses
• Spouse
• Madam
• Missus
• Mrs.
• Missis
• Old lady
• Soul mate
• Mate
• Consort
• Better half

Definition of 'Wives'

The same dictionary defines 'wives' as:

• The plural form of wife

Synonyms of 'Wives'

• Ladies
• Women
• Partners
• Spouses
• Madams
• Helpmates
• Housewives
• Soul mates
• Mates
• Better halves
• Stay-at-homes
• Old ladies
• Missises

Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'Wife' or 'Wives'

When it comes to pronouncing these terms, their pronunciations are very similar. However, they are slightly different, and if you want people to understand you clearly, you need to use the correct pronunciation.

Furthermore, using proper pronunciation can help you remember the difference between these words, and help you remember how to spell them.

So, here is a pronunciation guide you can reference.

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'wife':

wīf

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'wife's':

wīfz

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'wives':

wīvz

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce wives':

wīvz

Writing Tips: When to Use 'Wifes' or 'Wives' 

Here are some tips to help you determine when and how to use 'wife,' 'wife's,' 'wives,' and 'wive's.'

• Never use 'wifes' unless you are adding an apostrophe before the s to create the singular possessive form of the noun.

As an example, you can say:

After hearing his wife's argument he decided to sign the postnup.

• Use 'wife' to refer to one wife.

For example, you could say:

His wife was so happy that they would be able to spend more time with each other. 

• Use 'wife's' as the possessive form of wife. 

So, you could say:

His wife's 31st birthday is this weekend and he is planning something extra special for her.

• Use 'wives' as the plural form of wife. 

As an example, you could say:

The wives are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their husbands.

• Use wives' as the possessive plural form of wife. 

So, you could say something like:

The wives' comments shocked and embarrassed their husbands. 

Sample Sentences Using 'Wives'

Now that you know the difference between these forms of wife, read the sample sentences below. They will help you learn and remember how to use them grammatically in different contexts.

Wives

• The wives get together each week for dinner while their husbands are bowling.
• When wives are unhappy their husbands are usually unhappy too.
• Husbands and wives sometimes take each other for granted only to realize after they get divorced that they were happy when they were married.
• The wives planned a surprise night out with their husbands.

Wife

• Surely you have heard the phrase, 'Happy wife, happy life.'
• If you want to have a healthy marriage it is important to set aside time each month to go on a date with your wife so the two of you can reconnect.
• On their 21st wedding anniversary, he proposed again to his wife.
• Are you interested in going on a journey with John and his wife?

Wives'

• After years of marriage, the wives' complaints about their husbands were very similar.
• When John and Timothy pulled up in front of the restaurant, they saw their wives' cars.
• During the summer, John, Ted, and Roy made it a point to plan a couple's trip to their wives' favorite destination.
• The husbands and wives competed to see who could prepare a better meal. Surprisingly the husbands' meal was always better than the wives'.

Wife's

• He knew his wife's job wouldn't give her time off to go on vacation with him. So he decided to stay in town and spend time with her at home.
• After reading his wife's greeting card, he couldn't hold back his emotions.
• He knew his wife's routine so well that he could predict exactly what time she would say, 'Good morning' to him each day.
• His wife's father is associated with some dangerous people.

Wrapping Up: Is the Correct Spelling 'Wifes' or 'Wives?'

Wow! We covered a lot of information in this lesson. So, let's recap whether 'wifes' or 'wives' is correct:

• Wifes is never grammatically correct, so you should never use it. 
• Wives is the correct plural form of the noun wife. 
• Wife's is the singular possessive form of the noun wife. 
• Wives' is the correct plural possessive form of the noun wife. 

Remembering the correct plural and singular forms of nouns and when to use them can be challenging. However, you can always return to this site to verify the meaning of confusing terms like these.

Furthermore, if you are interested in improving your writing skills or learning more effective ways to market your freelance writing services, there are dozens of guides to help you do that, too.

So, read a few more lessons before you go, and return frequently to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

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