Die or Dice? Singular and Plural Forms
Quick answer
For one game piece, you can say a die or a dice. For more than one, use dice. The traditional pair is one die, two dice; singular dice is also accepted in modern English.
One Die or One Dice
Both singular forms are used for a small game piece with numbers or spots on its sides. Dice is commonly used for one piece in British English. Die is also used, especially in American English.
- Pick up one die and roll it.
- Pick up one dice and roll it.
- We need two dice for this game.
The first two sentences each mean one game piece. The third means two. If a task specifically asks for the traditional singular, use die. This means the older singular form; it does not make singular dice wrong in other contexts.
Check the Rest of the Sentence
Dice can be singular or plural, so look for a number or words such as this and these:
- This die has six sides. One game piece; use has.
- This dice has six sides. One game piece; use has.
- These dice have six sides. More than one; use have.
- She shook the dice before throwing them. Them shows that there is more than one.
On its own, Roll the dice can refer to one game piece or several. The situation tells you how many. Do not treat that sentence as an error simply because only one piece is used.
The Plural for Game Pieces Is Dice
For the game pieces in this lesson, use dice after a number greater than one. Do not add another ending:
- We need three dice for the game.
- Put five dice in the cup.
- Use two dice, not two dies or two dices, for these game pieces.
Practise the Form the Question Asks For
In the quiz, one question requests the traditional singular die. The other questions test plural forms, the two uses of dice, and verb agreement. Use the full sentence to decide.
Test Yourself: Die or Dice?
Choose an answer to see your feedback immediately. Your first answer counts towards your score.
1. Use the traditional singular: Pick up one _______ and roll it.
2. We need three _______ to play this game.
3. Which word can refer to one game piece or to several game pieces?
4. She shook the _______ in her hands before throwing them.
5. These dice _______ numbers on all six sides.
Practise with Your Own Sentences
Write a sentence about one game piece and another about two game pieces. Try one die or one dice for the first, and two dice for the second. Check has and have if you use them.
Learn another noun with its plural. Some nouns change inside the word, such as mouse → mice. Others keep the same form. The next lesson gives you more examples to practise.
Next lesson: Irregular Plural Nouns
Sources
Further reference: Cambridge Dictionary: dice, singular and plural.
Further reference: Merriam-Webster: dice.
I’m Khamis Maiouf. I’m studying Health and Social Care and have completed Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Level 3 Hairdressing. I have taught ESOL in my community and helped students with GCSE English. I run English Teacher Site to help people learn and practise English.