Common irregularities

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Irregular instrumental plurals

There are three nouns currently in common use in Russian that have irregular instrumental plurals. They are:

Nominative pluralInstrumental plural
Peopleлю́дилюдьми́
Childrenде́тидетьми́
Horsesло́шадилошадьми́

You will also find the instrumental plural лошадя́ми. Gradually that form will become the dominant form as the language continues to simplify.

Occasionally you will also find irregular instrumental plurals матерьми́ and дочерьми́, but those are generally considered antiquated.

Rev. 3:27 AM 2/23/2012