1-2. Существительные, употребляемые только во множественном числе

Слова, которые используются только во множественном числе (и без числительных):

(make) amends, annals, the Antipodes, archives, arms (= weapons), arrears, ashes ( = human remains), auspices, banns, belongings, bounds ( == boundary), clothes, congratulations, credentials, damages ( = compensation), dregs, earnings, entrails, goods, looks ( = appearance), manners ( = behaviour), misgivings, odds, outskirts, pains ( = trouble), particulars ( = detailed tidings information), valuables, premises ( = buildings), whereabouts, proceeds, provisions ( = food supplies), quarters ( = lodgings), regards, remains, resources, riches, shortcomings, suds, surroundings, thanks, the tropics

(Слово clothes произносится как /kləuðz/ в «аккуратной» речи и обычно как /kləuz/ в быстрой разговорной, если это существительное, но только /kləuðz/, если это форма глагола. )

Обратите внимание на разницу в употреблении слов в следующих парах:

X was found guilty of causing damage to Y's property, and was ordered to pay damages.

May I have a look at your magazine?
The accident has spoilt my good looks.

How much do you pay for board and lodging?
Come round to my lodgings and we'll have a party.

I didn't like that man's manner (= attitude).
George has very good manners (=ways of behaving).

A minute is a short official note or memorandum.
The official records of a meeting are called the minutes.

We can make a considerable saving (=economy) by selling the car.
Then we can use our savings ( = money saved) to buy some new furniture.

In some countries, a minimum wage is fixed by law.
Mr Turner takes all his wages home to his wife.

We were all enchanted by his wit.
The ladies were frightened out of their wits.