When -f(e) is changed into the plural

[albertino]

Is there any rule telling us how to change words ending with -f(e) into -fs or -ves?

For example, sometimes we can only add "s" to the following words ending with -f or -fe:beliefs, briefs, coifs, carafes, giraffes, safes, roofs.

However, sometimes we have to change the following words ending with -f or -fe into -ves: knife > knives, shelf > shelves, leaf > leaves, wolf > wolves, behalf > behalves, calf > calves, loaf > loaves, thief > thieves, wife > wives.

Other than rote-learning, are there any other ways to help memorise all these tricky words?

Thanks.

[Tdol]

Not really.

[albertino]

Not really.

Uoop~ What a pity!

[Tdol]

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news.