Plural of Journey: Is It Journeys or Journies? (Grammar Rule Explained)

Ever caught yourself typing “journies” and second-guessing whether it looked right? You’re not alone. English spelling rules can feel like a maze, especially when it comes to words ending in -y. If you’ve been wondering whether the plural of “journey” or “journeys” or “journies,” this guide is here to set the record straight—once and for all.

The confusion comes from a common misunderstanding about how plurals work with words that end in a “y.” The rule isn’t as simple as changing every “y” to “ies.” Sometimes you just add an “s.” And that’s exactly the case with journey.

But we’re not just giving you the correct form—we’re breaking down the why, with grammar rules, real examples, context-driven insights, tables, and even etymology. Plus, we’ll show you other words that follow the same rule, how to avoid common spelling traps, and ways to remember the correct form for life.

Ready to stop guessing and start writing with confidence? Let’s dive in.

“Journeys” or “Journies”: Which Is Correct?

The Official Plural Form of “Journey”

The correct plural of journey is journeys.

You simply add an “s” to the end of the word. That’s it.

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✅ Correct: I’ve taken many **journeys** across the globe.  

❌ Incorrect: I’ve taken many **journies** across the globe.

Why “Journies” Is Incorrect

Here’s where most people get tripped up: They apply the wrong spelling rule. The confusion comes from words like “city” → “cities” or “puppy” → “puppies,” where the “y” is preceded by a consonant. In those cases, you drop the “y” and add “ies.”

But in “journey,” the letter before the “y” is a vowel—“e.” When a word ends in a vowel + y, you just add “s” to form the plural.

Quick Grammar Rule Recap:

Ending of Word	Plural Rule	Example	Correct Plural
Consonant + Y	Drop “y,” add “ies”	City	Cities
Vowel + Y	Just add “s”	Journey	Journeys
Special Cases	Irregular spelling	Baby	Babies

Why Is There Confusion About the Plural of Journey?

Misunderstanding English Plural Rules

English pluralization rules for words ending in “y” can be confusing because the rule isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Here’s a comparison to clarify things:

Word	Last Two Letters	Rule Applied	Plural
Journey	ey (vowel+y)	Just add s	Journeys
Puppy	py (consonant+y)	Change y to ies	Puppies
Toy	oy (vowel+y)	Just add s	Toys

The key lies in what letter comes before the “y.” If it’s a vowel, no need to modify the “y.”

English Language Irregularities

English is full of exceptions. Think of words like:

• Goose → Geese
  
• Child → Children
  
• Mouse → Mice
  

So it’s understandable why some people second-guess a word like journey. It feels like it should be trickier than it is. But this one is simple—stick with journeys.

What Does the Word “Journey” Actually Mean?

Definitions and Usage

The word journey has multiple layers of meaning. Let’s unpack them:

• Literal definition: The act of traveling from one place to another.
  
• Extended definition: A long or eventful process of personal growth, healing, or transformation.
  

Quick-Reference Definition Box

Term	Definition
Journey	A trip or expedition; also a metaphor for personal growth or progress.

Etymology of “Journey”

• The word “journey” comes from the Old French “jornee,” meaning “a day’s work or travel.”
• Its Latin root, “diurnum,” literally meant “daily portion” (from dies = day).
• Over centuries, its meaning evolved from “day’s travel” to any significant travel or experience over time.

Common Usage Examples of “Journeys” in Context

Seeing the word used in different contexts helps lock in the correct spelling. Let’s explore some examples:

Travel and Adventure

Literal, geographic journeys—this is where the word shows up the most.

• “Their journeys across the Himalayas were well-documented.”
• “She’s taken dozens of solo journeys through Europe.”

Metaphorical and Emotional Journeys

Here, “journey” becomes a symbol for growth, transformation, or healing.

• “His journey to sobriety was long but worth it.”
• “Starting a business is one of the most rewarding journeys you can take.”

Fictional or Historical Journeys

From epic tales to sci-fi adventures, journeys are the backbone of great stories.

• “Frodo’s journey to destroy the One Ring is the heart of The Lord of the Rings.”
• “In The Odyssey, Odysseus’ journey takes ten years to complete.”

Words That Follow the Same Grammar Rule as “Journeys”

If the letter before the “y” is a vowel, just add an “s.” Here are more examples:

Singular	Plural
Toy	Toys
Key	Keys
Alley	Alleys
Monkey	Monkeys
Donkey	Donkeys
Valley	Valleys

These words share the same vowel + “y” ending as journey, and they follow the same rule.

💡 Memory Tip: If the “y” is riding a vowel, let it be—just add “s.”

Similar Words Often Misspelled Like “Journies”

It helps to compare journey to words that are often misspelled in the same way.

Singular	Incorrect Plural	Correct Plural
Journey	Journies	Journeys
Valley	Vallies	Valleys
Key	Keies	Keys
Alley	Alleies	Alleys
Toy	Toies	Toys

Most of these misspellings come from misunderstanding the y-rule in English pluralization.

Synonyms for “Journey” and Their Plurals

Using synonyms can help expand vocabulary and vary writing style. Let’s explore a few:

Common Synonyms for Journey

• Trip
  
• Voyage
  
• Expedition
  
• Trek
  
• Odyssey
  
• Excursion
  
• Sojourn
  

Plural Forms of Synonyms

Singular	Plural	Notes
Trip	Trips	Regular plural
Voyage	Voyages	Regular plural
Expedition	Expeditions	Regular plural
Trek	Treks	Regular plural
Odyssey	Odysseys	Same vowel + y rule
Excursion	Excursions	Regular plural

📘 Pro Tip: When writing essays, blogs, or stories, swapping “journeys” with a synonym can add richness and prevent repetition.

How to Remember the Plural of Journey Easily

Mnemonic Trick

Here’s a simple way to remember:

“If ‘y’ follows a vowel, just let it be—add an S and set it free!”

Visual Diagram

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Vowel + Y = Just add S

Example: journey → journeys

Rhyme it Out

“Monkey, key, and journey too — no need for ‘ies,’ just an ‘s’ will do.”

Conclusion: No More Confusion Between Journeys and Journies

Let’s recap. The plural of “journey” is always “journeys.” Not “journies.” Not ever.

If a word ends in vowel + y, you don’t touch the “y.” You just add “s.” Simple as that. The confusion around “journey” stems from irregular English rules, but this one is crystal clear once you know the grammar behind it.

You’ve now seen the rule, the exceptions, and tons of real-world examples. Whether you’re writing about a cross-country trip, a hero’s quest, or a personal transformation, you can confidently use the correct form: journeys.

Explore More Grammar Tips

Want to master more tricky plurals and common English confusions? Check out these resources:

• Plural of “Baby”: Baby or Babies?
• When to Use “Effect” vs “Affect”
• Common Grammar Mistakes You Can Avoid

Written by: Mariah Cannon
Visit SynoEnglish.com for more in-depth grammar and writing tips!