The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
BLOCKING THIS EXIT PUTS LIVES AT RISK.
Explanation:
The single error in the phrase on the sign is the word “lifes.” The correct spelling for the plural form of the noun “life” is “lives.” This is a common point of confusion in English grammar because it involves an irregular pluralization rule.
For most nouns, we create the plural by simply adding an “s” or “es.” However, many nouns that end in “f” or “fe” follow a different pattern. To make them plural, the “f” or “fe” is changed to a “v” before adding “es.” For example, the singular noun “knife” becomes the plural “knives,” and “wife” becomes “wives.” The word “life” follows this exact rule, changing from the singular “life” to the plural “lives.”
The word “lifes” does exist in English, but it is not the plural form of the noun. Instead, “lifes” is the third person singular present tense of the very uncommon verb “to life,” meaning to liven up. For instance, one might say, “He lifes up the party.” In the context of the fire exit sign, the message is about the potential harm to multiple people, so the plural noun “lives” is the only correct choice.
The sign warns that obstructing the exit endangers more than one person, making the use of a plural noun essential for conveying the correct meaning. By correcting “lifes” to “lives,” the sign’s warning becomes grammatically sound, ensuring its message is clear, professional, and authoritative, which is crucial for official safety signage.
