The plural of journey has been a source of confusion for many English learners and even native speakers. When faced with similar words like “baby” becoming “babies” or “city” changing to “cities,” it’s natural to assume that journey might follow the same pattern. However, that’s not the case. The correct plural form is “journeys,” not “journies.” Understanding why can help you avoid common grammatical mistakes and improve your command of English.
English spelling rules can be tricky, especially when it comes to pluralizing words ending in “y.” Some words require replacing y with -ies, while others simply take an -s at the end. The key lies in what comes before the y. If a vowel precedes it, like in journey, key, or toy, you only need to add -s to form the plural. On the other hand, words where y follows a consonant, such as city, baby, or party, require changing y to -ies in their plural forms.
So, when you hear someone ask, “Is it ‘journeys’ or ‘journies’?” you now know the answer. Let’s dive deeper into the rules, examples, and contexts where you might encounter the plural of journey in everyday writing.
Why Is There Confusion?
The confusion about whether the correct plural is journeys or journies stems from how English treats words ending in y. The rule is straightforward but often misunderstood:
- If a word ends in -y preceded by a vowel (a, e, i, o, u), simply add -s to make it plural.
- If a word ends in -y preceded by a consonant, replace y with -ies.
For example:
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| Journey | Journeys |
| Key | Keys |
| Toy | Toys |
| City | Cities |
| Baby | Babies |
Because “journey” has an “e” before the “y,” it follows the first rule, meaning its plural form is “journeys.”
“Journeys” or “Journies”: The Correct Plural of “Journey”
The correct plural of journey is journeys. English learners often wonder, “Why not journies?” The answer lies in spelling conventions rather than pronunciation. Since journey ends with ey (a vowel before y), the plural takes an -s, not -ies.
Mistakes in pluralizing journey often appear in casual writing, academic papers, or even in emails. For instance, let’s look at a real-world example:
Incorrect Usage:
Dear Team,
I hope everyone had safe journies over the holidays and returned refreshed for the new quarter.
Best regards, Jordan.
Correct Usage:
Dear Team,
I hope everyone had safe journeys over the holidays and returned refreshed for the new quarter.
Best regards, Jordan.
The journey plural form is always journeys, so make sure to use it correctly in emails, essays, or reports.
What Does “Journey” Mean?
The word journey refers to travel from one place to another, whether physically or metaphorically. It can mean:
- A trip or voyage: Alice’s journey across Europe lasted three months.
- A life experience or transformation: John’s journey to self-improvement has been inspiring.
- A historical or literary adventure: The journey of Odysseus in Homer’s epic was filled with challenges.
The term can be used in formal and informal contexts, making it an essential word in storytelling, travel writing, and motivational speeches.
Words That Follow the Same Rule as “Journeys”
Here are some other words that follow the same pluralization rule as “journeys”:
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| Monkey | Monkeys |
| Valley | Valleys |
| Alley | Alleys |
| Key | Keys |
| Ray | Rays |
By recognizing this pattern, you can avoid making mistakes in writing and speaking.
Examples in Context
Travel Context:
Maria and Jake documented their exciting journeys through South America in a travel blog.
Metaphorical Usage:
Her personal journey to overcoming fear has inspired thousands of people.
Historical or Fictional Context:
Famous explorers like Marco Polo and Magellan embarked on legendary journeys that changed history.
Synonyms for “Journey”
If you want to avoid repetition, here are some synonyms:
- Trip – A short or long travel experience
- Voyage – A long journey, often by sea
- Expedition – A journey for a specific purpose, like exploration
- Odyssey – A long, eventful journey
- Quest – A journey in search of something
Etymology of “Journey”
The word journey originates from Old French “journée,” meaning “a day’s travel.” It later evolved to mean any trip, whether short or long.
Pro Tip: The Most Important Paragraph
The most critical section of this article is the explanation of why “journeys” is correct. Many people mistakenly assume “journies” follows the -ies rule, but knowing the difference between words ending in y after a vowel vs. consonant prevents mistakes. If there’s one thing to remember from this article, it’s this simple spelling rule!
Frequently Asked Question
What is the meaning of journies?
The word “journies” is an incorrect spelling of the plural of “journey.” The correct plural form is “journeys.” Some people mistakenly write “journies” because they assume it follows the rule where words ending in y change to -ies (like baby → babies). However, since journey ends in -ey (with a vowel before y), it simply takes -s to form the plural: journeys.
Is it correct to say “journeys”?
Yes, it is correct to say “journeys” as the plural of “journey.” Since journey ends in -ey (with a vowel before the “y”), the standard English rule applies: simply add -s to make it plural.
✅ Correct: I have been on many amazing journeys around the world.
❌ Incorrect: I have been on many amazing journies around the world.
Which is correct, journeys or journies?
The correct plural of “journey” is “journeys.”
❌ Incorrect: Journies
✅ Correct: Journeys
Since “journey” ends in -ey (with a vowel before the “y”), the rule in English is to simply add “-s” to make it plural. Words that end in -y after a consonant, like “city” → “cities” or “baby” → “babies,” follow a different rule, but “journey” does not.
Example Sentences:
- We have taken many unforgettable journeys together.
- Her journeys across the world have shaped her perspective.
So, always use “journeys”—“journies” is an incorrect spelling.
What is the difference between journey and journeys?
The difference between journey and journeys lies in singular vs. plural usage:
- Journey (Singular): Refers to one trip, travel experience, or metaphorical passage.
- Example: Her journey to success was full of challenges.
- Journeys (Plural): Refers to multiple trips, travels, or experiences.
- Example: Their journeys across Europe were full of adventure.
In short, “journey” is for one, and “journeys” is for more than one.
Conclusion
When debating between “journeys” or “journies,” always go with journeys. It follows the standard English spelling rule for words ending in y after a vowel. Now that you know the correct plural form, you can confidently use “journeys” in emails, academic papers, and everyday conversations. Keep practicing, and soon, plural nouns like this will become second nature.
Emma Olivia is an experienced blogger and the creative mind behind Grammar Scope. With a passion for language and years of writing expertise, she crafts engaging, informative content that simplifies grammar and writing tips for readers worldwide. Emma’s dedication to clear communication and love for the written word shine through every article she publishes, making Grammar Scope a trusted resource for language enthusiasts and learners alike.
