Words matter. The way we spell them can shape how others see us—whether we’re crafting emails, building blogs, or writing essays. One tiny misstep, like confusing “journeys” with “journey’s,” can change the whole meaning of a sentence. You might not even realize the mistake until it’s too late.
English is a beautiful language, but let’s be honest—it loves to trip people up. Especially with things that seem simple. Pluralizing nouns should be easy, right? Just add -s and you’re done. Well, not always. And even when the spelling itself is correct, context and usage can throw you off.
That’s where this guide comes in.
This isn’t just a grammar lesson—it’s a complete breakdown of everything you need to know about the word “journeys.” We’ll explore the correct plural form, how to avoid common traps, when to use apostrophes (and when not to), and even how the word compares to similar ones like “trip” and “travel.” Plus, you’ll get tips, tricks, and real-world examples to lock the knowledge in for good.
By the end of this guide, you won’t just know how to spell “journeys”—you’ll understand it inside and out. Ready to level up your grammar game? Let’s dive in.
Journeys vs journies:
Why “Journeys” is Correct:
The rule for pluralizing words that end in -ey is to simply add -s. So:
- Journey → Journeys
This follows the regular English pluralization rule where we do not change the spelling of words like journey to journies.
Why “Journies” is Incorrect:
While it might seem tempting to apply the rule for words ending in -y (which sometimes changes to -ies), “journey” is one of those words that doesn’t follow that rule. Instead of “journies,” you simply add -s to form the plural.
For example:
- Correct: “They went on many journeys last year.”
- Incorrect: “They went on many journies last year.”
Other Examples to Compare:
- Story → Stories (You drop the y and add -ies)
- Journey → Journeys (You just add -s)
In short, remember “journeys” is always the correct plural form!
What Is the Singular Form of ‘Journeys’?
Let’s start with the basics.
The singular form of “journeys” is journey. That’s the version you use when talking about one trip, one experience, or one path.
Journey (noun): an act of traveling from one place to another; a process of personal development.
It’s a word packed with meaning. It doesn’t just describe physical movement. It can represent emotional, spiritual, or life changes too. Think of a novel character evolving, or someone healing after a loss—those are journeys, even if they never leave home.
Here are a few examples:
- “This journey has changed the way I see the world.”
- “Her healing journey took time, patience, and courage.”
- “I’m about to start a new journey in my career.”
A Quick Etymology Dive
The word “journey” comes from the Old French word jornee, which originally meant “a day’s work or travel.” That ties in beautifully with the idea that every day is its own small adventure.
The Correct Plural Form: ‘Journeys’
Here’s the rule: for most English nouns, you form the plural by adding -s to the end. That’s it.
Journey → Journeys
And this one’s no exception.
Journeys (plural noun): more than one act of traveling or going through an experience.
Examples in Real Sentences:
- “We’ve taken many unforgettable journeys together.”
- “Life is made up of small journeys that shape who we become.”
- “The book explores the characters’ emotional journeys.”
You’ll notice there’s no apostrophe involved here. That’s key—and we’ll explain why next.
Common Mistake: ‘Journey’s’ vs. ‘Journeys’
This is where a lot of people stumble. The apostrophe trip-up.
Here’s the deal:
- “Journeys” is the plural form of the word.
- “Journey’s” is the possessive form, showing that something belongs to a single journey.
Let’s break that down visually:
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Journey | Singular noun | “This journey changed my life.” |
| Journeys | Plural noun | “They went on separate journeys.” |
| Journey’s | Singular possessive (belonging to a journey) | “The journey’s ending was beautiful.” |
Easy Way to Remember It:
If you’re not showing ownership, don’t use an apostrophe.
Wrong: “I loved all my journey’s.”
Right: “I loved all my journeys.”
How to Remember the Plural Spelling of ‘Journeys’
If you struggle with remembering the correct form, you’re not alone. Here are some quick memory hacks to help it stick:
- Visual cue: Imagine multiple paths on a map. That’s a collection of journeys, not just one.
- Sound it out: “Journey-z” → that soft “z” sound means you just need an -s, not an apostrophe.
- Think of similar words:
- Story → Stories
- Valley → Valleys
- Monkey → Monkeys
- Don’t let the “y” at the end fool you. Because it’s preceded by a vowel (e), you just add -s—not -ies.
Real-Life Examples of ‘Journeys’ in Literature, Film, and Everyday Use
The word “journeys” shows up everywhere—because the idea of a journey resonates with us on a human level. It’s not just about physical travel—it’s about transformation.
Examples in Pop Culture:
- “The Lord of the Rings” is filled with emotional and physical journeys.
- Oprah often talks about “life’s spiritual journeys.”
- In Pixar’s Soul, characters go through personal journeys that define their purpose.
From Books and Articles:
- “Their journeys were shaped by love, loss, and discovery.”
- “Countless journeys across the globe are taken every day in search of meaning.”
Whether it’s an inner struggle or an outer adventure, plural journeys adds richness to the story.
Journeys vs. Travel vs. Trips: Not All the Same
Let’s clear something up. These words are related, but not interchangeable.
| Word | Definition | Example |
| Journey | Long or meaningful process or travel | “The journey from fear to courage.” |
| Trip | Short or simple excursion | “A quick trip to the grocery store.” |
| Travel | General movement from place to place | “I love to travel every summer.” |
Journeys often involve depth and transformation. Trips are typically shorter and more casual. Travel is the act of going.
So next time you write, be clear about which one you mean.
When You Should Use ‘Journey’s’
So now you know: “journeys” is the plural form.
But there is a time and place for “journey’s”—when you’re showing that something belongs to a single journey.
Here are some examples:
- “The journey’s significance was only clear in hindsight.”
- “She documented every step of the journey’s progression.”
- “The journey’s end marked a new beginning.”
It’s all about possession. Ask yourself: does the journey own something in the sentence? If yes, apostrophe it is.
Common Pluralization Rules (And Exceptions)
English is wild, so let’s do a quick grammar check. Most words become plural by just adding -s, but there are a few patterns:
Regular Plurals:
- Book → Books
- Car → Cars
- Journey → Journeys
Irregular Plurals:
- Child → Children
- Tooth → Teeth
- Mouse → Mice
Special Plurals (Words Ending in -y):
- If the word ends in a consonant + y, change y → ies
- City → Cities
- Party → Parties
- If it ends in a vowel + y, just add -s
- Journey → Journeys
- Toy → Toys
Misuses Found Online: Let’s Correct Them Together
Let’s fix some of the internet’s most common mistakes:
“She went on many journey’s during her career.”
“She went on many journeys during her career.”
“The journeys’ were long and tiring.”
“The journeys were long and tiring.”
“That was a great journeys.”
“That was a great journey.”
Spotting and correcting these can really elevate your writing.
Fun Fact: ‘Journey’ in Other Languages
The word “journey” pops up across the globe, often with a beautiful twist. Check out how other languages express it:
| Language | Singular | Plural |
| Spanish | Viaje | Viajes |
| French | Voyage | Voyages |
| Italian | Viaggio | Viaggi |
| German | Reise | Reisen |
| Portuguese | Viagem | Viagens |
Cool, right? Notice how even in other languages, plural forms often involve a simple suffix change, just like in English.
Tips for ESL Learners on Mastering ‘Journeys’
If you’re learning English, spelling plurals like “journeys” might be confusing at first. Here’s how to make it easier:
- Practice pronunciation: journeys ends in a soft “z” sound.
- Use voice apps to speak the word out loud and get feedback.
- Write out 5 sentences every day using “journeys” in different contexts.
- Read English books or listen to podcasts with rich storytelling.
- Pay attention to whether the word is singular, plural, or possessive.
The Role of ‘Journeys’ in Storytelling and Branding
Writers, marketers, and storytellers love this word—and for good reason. It’s rich in emotion, metaphor, and meaning.
Why brands use it:
- Nike talks about the “journey to greatness.”
- Airbnb says: “Your journey begins here.”
- Apple: “Every journey needs the right tools.”
It’s relatable, aspirational, and flexible. So when you’re creating content or telling a story, don’t underestimate the power of a well-placed “journeys.”
10 Extra Pro Tips to Lock In the Correct Usage
Here’s a quick toolkit to keep your spelling sharp:
- Always double-check for apostrophes.
- Use grammar tools like Grammarly to catch slip-ups.
- Highlight plural nouns when editing your work.
- Say the sentence aloud—wrong forms often sound “off.”
- Create your own flashcards for confusing words.
- Ask a friend to quiz you on possessives vs. plurals.
- Write short paragraphs using both forms correctly.
- Break big grammar rules into fun challenges.
- Make it a game—find and correct grammar mistakes in articles.
- Keep learning—even native speakers mess this up sometimes.
Summary: Quick Recap of Everything You’ve Learned
Let’s bring it all together:
- “Journey” = one trip or process.
- “Journeys” = more than one journey (plural).
- “Journey’s” = something that belongs to a journey (possessive).
- Don’t let apostrophes sneak into your plurals.
- Use “journeys” when talking about multiple adventures, experiences, or paths.
- Keep practicing and checking your usage until it becomes second nature.
Final Thoughts: Your Grammar Journey Doesn’t End Here
Getting one word right—like journeys—might seem small, but it’s a powerful step toward better communication. Every detail counts when you’re trying to sound polished, professional, and trustworthy.
And remember, language is its own journey. It takes time, effort, and curiosity. So keep exploring, keep writing, and keep learning. You’ve got this.
Looking to dive deeper into grammar and writing tips? Check out more guides on plural nouns, possessive apostrophes, and common spelling mistakes from trusted sources.
FAQS
1. What is the plural of “journey”?
The plural of “journey” is “journeys”. Simply add an -s to the end of the word to make it plural. There is no need for an apostrophe in the plural form.
2. How do I know when to use “journey’s” vs. “journeys”?
- Use “journey’s” when showing possession, meaning something belongs to a single journey. For example, “The journey’s end was near.”
- Use “journeys” when referring to multiple journeys. For example, “They had many journeys across the world.”
3. Is “journeys” a regular plural?
Yes! “Journeys” follows the regular pluralization rule. You simply add an -s to the end of the singular noun “journey” to make it plural.
4. Why is it important to use “journeys” correctly in writing?
Using the correct spelling of “journeys” ensures your writing is clear, professional, and free from grammatical errors. It helps convey the intended meaning accurately and avoids confusion, especially between possessive and plural forms.
5. Can “journey” be used in both literal and figurative contexts?
Yes! “Journey” can refer to both physical travel (e.g., “a road trip”) and emotional or metaphorical experiences (e.g., “her journey to self-discovery”). The word is highly versatile and can be used in a variety of contexts.
