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Journeys is a correct word. Journies is a common misspelling. Journeys is the plural form of “journey,” and journeys is the third-person singular present tense form of “journey.”
Let’s see why this is the case by looking at some sentences.
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Journeys Meaning
Journeys is the plural spelling of “journey.” It can be used as a noun and a verb.
Journey as a Noun
A journey is a trip or a passage, especially a long or difficult one. Journeys is the plural of the noun “journey.”
Here are some example sentences using the word journeys (noun):
- After an exhausting number of flights and journeys, I was glad to be home finally.
- The journeys were long and difficult, but it was worth it in the end.
- There were more than 1,000 journeys made on the train last year.
- We all have different journeys in life.
- Make sure to bring a neck pillow for long-haul journeys.
Journey as a Verb
Journeys is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb “journey.” To journey means to travel, especially to a distant place.
- I journey
- You journey
- He journeys
- She journeys
- We journey
- They journey
Here are some example sentences using the word journeys (verb):
- She journeys to different countries every year.
- Kevin journeys to Ontario every weekend to see his grandkids.
- Lisa journeys to work every day by bus.
Why is it Journeys and Not Journies?
You may have heard the grammar rule “change ‘y’ to ‘i‘ and add -es” hence the confusion. Unfortunately, this rule doesn’t apply to words with a vowel before the ‘y.’ Therefore, the correct spelling is journeys and not journies.
Other -ey endings that add an ‘s’ include:
- abbey – abbeys
- donkey – donkeys
- monkey – monkeys
- valley – valleys
- survey – surveys
- turkey – turkeys
If the sound before the ‘y’ sounds like a consonant, then you can add -ies, for example:
- lily – lilies
- baby – babies
- hippy – hippies
If you’re unsure about which spelling to use, check a dictionary for guidance.
Journey Synonyms
Many words have the same or a similar meaning as “journey.” Here is a list of some of those words:
- travel
- trip
- voyage
- expedition
- adventure
- exploration
- safari
The Bottom Line
Remember, the next time you want to spell the plural form of a word that ends with a ‘y’, check if there is a vowel before it. If there is a vowel, for example, “journey” becomes journeys (not: journies).
Now that you know the difference, you can apply the rule for words like journeys correctly in your writing!
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Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.
