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• Possessive Noun | Examples, Definition & Worksheet

Possessive Noun | Examples, Definition & Worksheet

Published on February 13, 2023 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on October 3, 2023.

A possessive noun is the special form of a noun that’s used to indicate ownership (possession). The possessive noun represents the owner (possessor) of something and usually comes right before another noun representing what they own (e.g., “ Jeremy’s car”).

Possessive nouns are formed from the basic versions of nouns by adding an apostrophe and the letter “s”: for instance, “boy” becomes “boy ’s .” The possessives of plural nouns normally only add an apostrophe, not an additional “s”: “boys” becomes “boys ’ .”

Possessive nouns don’t always indicate literal ownership. “Alice’s brother” doesn’t suggest that Alice owns her brother; the possessive is just used to show their relationship.

Granddad’s hearing isn’t what it used to be.

That’s my room, and this one is Nari’s .

Table of contents

Possessive form, how are possessive nouns used in sentences, compound possessive, possession vs. contraction, indicating possession with “of”, worksheet: possessive nouns, other interesting language articles, frequently asked questions.

While the possessive is normally formed by adding an apostrophe “s,” the “s” is omitted for some types of nouns. The table below summarizes how to form the possessive for various types. More details are given in the following sections.

Singular possessive nouns (and irregular plurals)

The possessive version of a singular noun is normally formed by adding an apostrophe followed by an “s.” “Sara” becomes “Sara ’s ,” and “cat” becomes “cat ’s .”

This also applies to irregular plural nouns that don’t end in “s” (e.g., “ children’s toys”), to abbreviations (e.g., “the ANC’s ”), and to compound nouns made up of multiple words, whether hyphenated or written with spaces (e.g., “my son-in-law’s idea”).

It also applies to singular nouns that end in “s” (e.g., “the analysis’s conclusion”).

Plural possessive nouns

Most plural nouns end in “s,” so the rule for forming their possessive versions is to just add an apostrophe, not an additional “s” (e.g., “the boys’ bedtime,” “ animals’ habitats”).

Mistakes are common in this area, because the plural possessive sounds just like the singular possessive but shouldn’t be written in the same way. “My mother’s idea” has a different meaning from “my mothers’ idea,” even though they’d sound the same aloud.

The apostrophe alone is also used for pluralized versions of names (e.g., “the Joneses’ house”). And it’s used for nouns whose singular form ends in “s” and looks the same as the plural form (e.g., “ ethics’ importance”).

Singular names ending in “s”

With a name like “James,” there’s some disagreement about how to form the possessive. Most style guides recommend following the standard rule for singular nouns and adding an apostrophe and an “s”: James’s .

Others argue that the possessive should be formed differently depending on whether the added “s” sounds natural when pronounced aloud. So they might argue you should write James’s but go for just the apostrophe with another noun like Jesus’ .

Because of the inconsistency involved in this way of approaching the issue, and because style guides like MLA , APA , and Chicago recommend always adding the “s,” we advise going for the first approach.

Possession of nouns in italics or quotation marks

When a noun is written in italics (e.g., the name of a book, a foreign term), the possessive apostrophe and “s” (if included) should be written in plain text, not in italics.

• The Catcher in the Rye ’s ending
• The New York Times ’ editorial staff

When a noun is written in quotation marks (e.g., a song title, the name of a poem), don’t attempt to form the possessive in this way. It looks messy, and the reader is unlikely to notice the apostrophe. Use a different phrasing.

• “Hey Jude”’s lyrics
• “Hey Jude’s” lyrics
• The lyrics to “Hey Jude”

Exception: “For goodness’ sake”

In the traditional expression “for goodness’ sake” and similar expressions where the possessive noun ends in an “s” sound, it’s normal to use only an apostrophe. This is because using the “s” would disrupt the rhythm of the expression by adding another syllable.

Note that such expressions generally aren’t used in formal contexts like academic writing anyway.

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Possessive nouns are used in two ways in sentences:

• Before another noun , in which case they essentially play the same role as possessive determiners like “my.” A possessive used in this way modifies the noun that comes next, which represents the thing or person “possessed.”
• Independently , in which case they stand alone, not connected to another noun. They’re still implicitly connected to a noun from earlier in the sentence or clear from the context. This is the same as the role played by possessive pronouns like “mine.”

A compound possessive is the possessive form of a series of two or more nouns joined by conjunctions . In some cases, you should write every noun in the possessive form (e.g., “Kim’s and Harry’s”), in some cases only the last one (e.g., “Kim and Harry’s”).

• Both nouns are possessive when the different entities possess something separately.
• Only the last noun is possessive when the different entities share something, possessing it collectively.

Fabian and Denise’s car is a Mazda. [They share a car.]

France’s and Germany’s economies were both in recession. [They are two separate economies.]

As well as possession, the apostrophe is also used to indicate contraction : the shortening of a word or series of words. For example, “ it’s ” is a contraction of “it is” or “it has”; the apostrophe stands for the missing letter(s).

Because of this, the possessive forms of singular nouns look identical to contractions of those nouns with “is” or “has.” For instance, “Julia’s” could be the possessive form of “Julia,” or it could be a contraction of “Julia is” or “Julia has.”

The intended meaning is usually clear from the context. You can assume that it’s the possessive if it’s followed directly by another noun. If it’s followed by some other part of speech like an adverb , verb , or article , you’re likely dealing with a contraction.

The cat’s not here. [“cat is”]

Reza’s apartment is on the fifth floor.

The apostrophe is not the only way to indicate possession in English. Phrasings with the preposition “of” are the other main way. An “of” phrasing is the best choice in two main situations.

When the possessor is an object or concept (not a person or animal), it’s usually regarded as better style to use “of” to create the possessive. Sometimes the possessive noun version reads well enough, but the “of” version is more natural. Other times, especially when the “of” version is an established expression, using a possessive noun reads poorly:

• Politics’ importance
• The importance of politics
• My car’s steering wheel
• The steering wheel of my car
• The family’s head
• The head of the family

An “of” phrasing is also a good way to avoid creating a series of possessive nouns that could be awkward to read:

• Eliot’s writing’s themes
• The themes of Eliot’s writing

Other techniques may be needed to rephrase a series of three or more possessives; a series of “of” phrases can be just as awkward as a series of possessive nouns:

• Her wife’s cousin’s stamp collection’s highlight
• The highlight of the stamp collection of the cousin of her wife
• The highlight of the stamp collection carefully maintained by her wife’s cousin

In other situations, the “of” phrasing appears long-winded and reads less smoothly than a possessive noun:

• The eyesight of Rifka
• Rifka’s eyesight
• The car of his girlfriend
• His girlfriend’s car

Double possessive (“of” + possessive noun)

An unusual feature of English is the occasional combination of an “of” phrasing with a possessive noun (or possessive pronoun), thus expressing possession in two different ways at once. For example, you can say “a friend of John’s” (instead of “a friend of John,” which reads less smoothly).

This phrasing is standard, even though it seems redundant. But it’s only used in cases where the possessor is a person or animal and we want to suggest that they have several of the thing possessed.

The double possessive is most useful in cases where a phrasing with “of” alone would suggest something other than possession.

Other alternatives to possessive nouns

Besides “of,” other uses of possessive nouns can sometimes be rephrased using other prepositions or using verbs like “belong.” The phrasing depends on what exactly the possessive noun means in each case. Some examples are shown below.

I have a book that belonged to my great-grandmother [one of my great-grandmother’s books].

Want to test your understanding of how singular and plural possessive nouns are formed? Try the worksheet below. In each sentence, fill in the correct possessive noun (ending in ’s or just ’ ) based on the noun presented in brackets.

• Practice questions
• Answers and explanations
• The [dog] _____ toys haven’t been touched.
• Her [parents] _____ house was in the middle of nowhere.
• The [children] _____ dinner is almost ready.
• This [thesis] _____ main goals are outlined below.
• That was [Sergius] ______ idea, not mine.
• To create a possessive from the singular noun “dog,” you just add an apostrophe and “s.”
• To create a possessive from a plural noun like “parents,” you only need to add an apostrophe.
• Although “children” is a plural noun, it’s an irregular one that doesn’t end in “s,” so the “s” is added in this case.
• Although “thesis” ends in “s,” it’s a singular noun, so the “s” is still added. But note that the better phrasing here would be “the main goals of this thesis,” because possessive nouns are normally used when the possessor is a person, not a thing.
• You can choose whether to add the extra “s” to a singular name ending in “s.” Most style guides recommend adding the “s” consistently, but it’s also acceptable to make the choice based on which version would be easier to pronounce.

If you want to know more about nouns , pronouns , verbs , and other parts of speech , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations and examples.

Nouns & pronouns

• Common nouns
• Types of nouns
• Proper nouns
• Personal pronouns
• Uncountable and countable nouns
• Verb tenses
• Phrasal verbs
• Types of verbs
• Active vs passive voice
• Subject-verb agreement
• Interjections
• Determiners
• Prepositions

A possessive noun is a noun like “farmer’s” that is used to indicate ownership (possession). It normally comes before another noun that indicates the thing possessed (e.g., “the farmer’s pitchfork”).

Possessive nouns are formed from regular nouns by adding an apostrophe followed by an “s,” or, in the case of plural nouns that already end in “s,” by just adding an apostrophe.

Possessive is an adjective meaning “jealous” or “having the desire to own or dominate.” In a grammatical sense, it’s used as a noun or adjective referring to the ways in which possession (ownership) is shown in language.

Some grammatical concepts involving the word are possessive pronouns (e.g., “my”), possessive nouns (e.g., “Steven’s”), possessive apostrophes (apostrophes like the one in “Steven’s”), and possessive case (how words show possession in general).

You normally form a possessive noun from a singular noun by adding an apostrophe and an “s,” but there’s disagreement about how to form the possessive of a name like “James.”

Most style guides recommend adding the apostrophe and “s” like normal: James’s . But some argue that it should depend on which version feels most natural to pronounce, so that you could instead write James’ , without the additional “s.”

We recommend the first approach, adding the “s” consistently, as it’s recommended by most authorities. Whatever you choose, be consistent about how you form the possessive of a particular name. Don’t write James’ at some points and James’s at others.

A possessive pronoun is a pronoun used to indicate indicate ownership (e.g., “This hat is mine ”). The English possessive pronouns are mine , ours , yours , his , hers , theirs , and whose .

A possessive pronoun stands on its own, replacing a noun phrase (e.g., in “Jessie says this chair is hers ,” “hers” replaces “Jessie’s chair”).

They should not be confused with possessive determiners , which instead appear before a noun, modifying it (e.g., “this is her chair”). The possessive determiners are my , our , your , his , her , its , their , and whose .

Sources in this article

We strongly encourage students to use sources in their work. You can cite our article (APA Style) or take a deep dive into the articles below.

Caulfield, J. (2023, October 03). Possessive Noun | Examples, Definition & Worksheet. Scribbr. Retrieved April 2, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/nouns-and-pronouns/possessive-noun/

Aarts, B. (2011). Oxford modern English grammar . Oxford University Press.

Garner, B. A. (2016). Garner’s modern English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Butterfield, J. (Ed.). (2015). Fowler’s dictionary of modern English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

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Possessive Nouns: Definition, Rules and Useful Examples

In this article, we will explore what possessive nouns are, how to use them, and provide examples to help you better understand their role in the English language. We will cover the basic rules for forming possessive nouns, including the use of apostrophes and the placement of the possessive form in a sentence. By the end of this article, you will have a solid understanding of how to use possessive nouns effectively in your writing. So, let’s get started!

What are Possessive Nouns?

Possessive nouns are a type of noun that indicate ownership or possession of something. They are formed by adding an apostrophe and the letter “s” to the end of the noun. For example, “dog’s” indicates that the dog owns something.

Possessive nouns can be used to show ownership of both concrete and abstract things. For example, “John’s idea” and “the sun’s rays” are both possessive nouns.

It’s important to note that possessive pronouns (such as “yours” and “theirs”) do not use apostrophes to indicate possession. Instead, they have their own possessive form. For example, “yours” is the possessive form of “you” and “theirs” is the possessive form of “they”.

When using possessive nouns, it’s important to remember that they can be singular or plural. For singular nouns, the apostrophe and “s” are added to the end of the word (e.g. “dog’s”). For plural nouns that end in “s”, only an apostrophe is added (e.g. “dogs'”). For plural nouns that do not end in “s”, the apostrophe and “s” are added (e.g. “children’s”).

Possessive nouns can also be used to show joint ownership. In this case, the apostrophe and “s” are added to the last noun in the list. For example, “John and Mary’s car” indicates that John and Mary jointly own the car.

Overall, possessive nouns are a useful tool for indicating ownership and possession in writing. By following the rules for forming possessive nouns, you can ensure that your writing is clear and easy to understand.

Types of Possessive Nouns

Possessive nouns are used to show ownership or possession of a person, place, or thing. There are four types of possessive nouns: singular possessive nouns, plural possessive nouns, possessive pronouns, and irregular possessive nouns. In this section, we will discuss the first two types of possessive nouns: singular and plural.

Singular Possessive Nouns

Singular possessive nouns are used to show that one person, place, or thing owns or possesses something. To form a singular possessive noun, add an apostrophe and an “s” to the end of the noun. For example, “the dog’s bone” shows that the bone belongs to one dog.

Here are some examples of singular possessive nouns:

• The teacher’s desk
• John’s car
• The book’s cover

Plural Possessive Nouns

Plural possessive nouns are used to show that more than one person, place, or thing owns or possesses something. To form a plural possessive noun, add an apostrophe after the “s” at the end of the noun. For example, “the dogs’ bones” shows that the bones belong to multiple dogs.

Here are some examples of plural possessive nouns:

• The students’ desks
• The cars’ tires
• The books’ pages

It’s important to note that not all plural nouns are formed by adding an “s” at the end. Some plural nouns are irregular and have different forms. For example, “children” is the plural form of “child,” and to form a possessive noun, you would add an apostrophe and an “s” to the end: “the children’s toys.”

Understanding the different types of possessive nouns is important for clear and effective communication. By using possessive nouns correctly, you can convey ownership and possession accurately and avoid confusion.

Usage of Possessive Nouns

Possessive nouns are used to show ownership or possession of a person, place, thing, or idea. They are formed by adding an apostrophe and the letter “s” (‘s) to the noun. Here are some examples:

• The cat’s toy
• The company’s logo

Possessive nouns are used to show that someone or something owns or possesses another thing. For example, “The book’s cover” indicates that the cover belongs to the book.

Relationship

Possessive nouns can also be used to show a relationship between two things. For example, “The teacher’s pet” indicates that the pet belongs to the teacher and that they have a close relationship.

Possessive nouns can also be used to show the origin of something. For example, “The city’s history” indicates that the history is related to the city.

Measurements and Time

Possessive nouns can also be used to show measurements or time. For example, “An hour’s time” indicates that the time is one hour long, and “A dollar’s worth” indicates that something is worth one dollar.

In conclusion, possessive nouns are used to show ownership, relationship, origin, measurements, and time. By using them correctly, you can make your writing clearer and more concise.

Rules for Using Possessive Nouns

Possessive nouns are used to show ownership or a direct connection between two nouns. They are formed by adding an apostrophe and the letter “s” at the end of the noun. Here are some general rules for using possessive nouns:

General Rules

• For singular nouns, add ‘s at the end of the noun. Example: “The dog’s bone.”
• For plural nouns that do not end in s, add ‘s at the end of the noun. Example: “The children’s toys.”
• For plural nouns that end in s, add only an apostrophe at the end of the noun. Example: “The girls’ dresses.”
• For compound nouns, add ‘s only to the last word. Example: “My mother-in-law’s car.”

Irregular Plurals

• For irregular plurals that do not end in s, add ‘s at the end of the noun. Example: “The men’s shoes.”
• For irregular plurals that end in s, add only an apostrophe at the end of the noun. Example: “The children’s clothes.”

Compound Nouns

• For compound nouns that are written as separate words, add ‘s to the last word. Example: “My sister-in-law’s house.”
• For compound nouns that are hyphenated, add ‘s to the last word. Example: “The editor-in-chief’s decision.”
• For compound nouns that are written as one word, add ‘s to the end of the word. Example: “The bookshelf’s height.”

Nouns Ending in S

• For nouns that end in s, add only an apostrophe at the end of the noun. Example: “The boss’ office.”
• For nouns that end in ss, add only an apostrophe at the end of the noun. Example: “The princess’ dress.”

Remember to use possessive nouns to show ownership or a direct connection between two nouns. Use the rules above to help you form possessive nouns correctly.

Common Mistakes with Possessive Nouns

Using possessive nouns can be tricky, and it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common mistakes you should avoid:

1. Confusing plural and singular possessive nouns

One of the most common mistakes is confusing plural and singular possessive nouns. For example, “the childrens’ toys” is incorrect because “childrens” is not a word. The correct way to write it is “the children’s toys.”

Another mistake is using the singular possessive form for plural nouns. For example, “the dogs’s leashes” is incorrect because “dogs” is a plural noun. The correct way to write it is “the dogs’ leashes.”

2. Using apostrophes incorrectly

Another common mistake is using apostrophes incorrectly. Remember, apostrophes are used to show possession, not to make a word plural. For example, “banana’s” is incorrect because it’s not possessive. The correct way to write it is “bananas.”

Another mistake is using apostrophes with possessive pronouns. For example, “hers’ and theirs'” are incorrect because possessive pronouns already show possession. The correct way to write it is “hers and theirs.”

3. Forgetting the apostrophe

Finally, some people forget to use an apostrophe when they should. For example, “the boys room” is incorrect because it’s possessive. The correct way to write it is “the boy’s room.”

Remember, using possessive nouns correctly is important for clear communication. Take the time to double-check your writing to avoid these common mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Examples of plural possessive nouns

Plural possessive nouns are used to show that more than one noun owns or possesses something. For example, “the dogs’ toys” indicates that multiple dogs own the toys. Other examples of plural possessive nouns include “the teachers’ lounge,” “the children’s books,” and “the parents’ meeting.”

Different types of possessive nouns

There are different types of possessive nouns, including singular possessive nouns, plural possessive nouns, and compound possessive nouns. Singular possessive nouns indicate that one person or thing owns or possesses something, such as “the boy’s hat.” Plural possessive nouns indicate that more than one person or thing owns or possesses something, such as “the girls’ backpacks.” Compound possessive nouns are formed by combining two or more nouns that own or possess something, such as “the mother-in-law ‘s car.”

List of common possessive nouns

Some common possessive nouns include “the dog’s bone,” “the cat’s whiskers,” “the teacher’s desk,” “the student’s notebook,” and “the company’s logo.” Possessive nouns can be used to show ownership or possession of physical objects, as well as abstract concepts like ideas or emotions.

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Possessive Nouns

What are possessive nouns.

• the cat's collar
• the boys' bedroom

Table of Contents

Examples of Possessive Nouns

Using apostrophes to form possessive nouns, video lesson on apostrophe placement, possessive nouns with inanimate objects, possessive nouns in time expressions, why possessive nouns are important.

• a dog's bone
• a man's jacket
• a lion's mane
• a book's pages
• a day's pay
• a week's worth
• the stone's throw
• The Children's Minister
• Rembrandt's paintings

Simple Rule for Apostrophe Placement

Are you a visual learner? Do you prefer video to text? Here is a list of all our grammar videos .

• The pages of a book
• the nib of a biro.
• A book's pages
• A biro's nib
• A car door (best version)
• A door of a car (possible but awkward)
• A car's door (possible but still awkward)
• A day's salary
• Two days' salary
• Three years' insurance
• Five dollars' worth
• A stone's throw away

Are You Good at Possessive Apostrophes?

(point 1) get your apostrophe placement right by understanding the history of possessive nouns..

• Dog > Dog es > dog' s bone
• Dogs > Dogs es > dogs ' bone
• Charles > Charles es > Charles ' house
• Charles > Charles es > Charles 's house
• Children > Children es > Children 's toys

(Point 2) Forming the possessive form surnames is no different to any other noun.

• The Joneses live on the corner.
• The Joneses' house is on the corner.

This page was written by Craig Shrives .

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What is a Possessive Noun? Definition, Examples of Possessive Nouns

Home » The Writer’s Dictionary » What is a Possessive Noun? Definition, Examples of Possessive Nouns

Definition of possessive noun: A possessive noun is one that shows ownership.

What Does Possessive Noun Mean?

What is a possessive noun? A noun is commonly defined as a person, place, thing, idea, or quality. Nouns become possessive once they are changed to show ownership.

Examples of Possessive Nouns:

• Janet’s = possessive noun
• Car = object of possession
• Trees’ = possessive noun
• Leaves = object of possession

How to Form the Possessive in English

To make singular nouns possessive, you simply add an apostrophe + s.

• Book > Book’s
• Sally > Sally’s

To make plural nouns ending in “s” possessive, an apostrophe is added to the end.

• Vacations > Vacations’
• Cakes > Cakes’

To make plural nouns not ending in “s” possessive, add an apostrophe + s.

• Children > Children’s
• Deer > Deer’s

To make names that end in “s” possessive, you can either add an apostrophe at the end, or you may add an apostrophe + s.

• Chris > Chris’ or Chris’s
• Jess > Jess’ or Jess’s

Possessive Nouns and Personal Pronouns

Instead, possessive pronouns are by their very nature are in the possessive form.

Possessive Pronoun Examples:

• His = personal pronoun
• Her = personal pronoun
• Their = personal pronoun
• Its = personal pronoun
• Mine = personal pronoun
• Ours = personal pronoun

As you can see, these words already indicate possession, so there is no need to add an apostrophe or the letter “s.”

In other words, you should never see the word his’s, their’s, ours’, etc.

Inanimate Objects Can be Possessive

It’s also important to note that nouns do not have to be people to show possession. As some of our above examples show, inanimate objects can take the possessive form to show ownership.

• Car’s = possessive noun
• Speaker’s = possessive noun

Possessive Nouns Are Not Contractions

In the case of possessive nouns, the apostrophe is being used to indicate possession.

• That is Jim’s speaker.

The apostrophe in this sentence is showing us that the speaker belongs to Jim.

In the case of contractions, the apostrophe is being used to indicate the omission of letters.

• Please don’t drive too fast.

In this sentence, the apostrophe is indicating the omission of the letter “o” from the contraction don’t. Don’t is a contraction for do not .

Common Questions on Possessive Nouns

For example,

• Car > Car’s
• House > House’s

What is a Plural Possessive Noun? As you might expect, a plural possessive noun is a plural noun that is made to be possessive.

• Apples > Apples’
• Boxes > Boxes’

Summary: What Are Possessive Nouns?

Define possessive noun: Possessive nouns are nouns that show ownership.

Final example,

• Jason’s = possessive noun

• English Grammar
• Possessives

Possessives: nouns

Level: beginner

We add 's to singular nouns to show possession:

We are having a party at John's house. Michael drove his friend's car.

We add ' to  plural nouns  ending in -s :

This is my parents' house. Those are ladies' shoes.

But we use 's with irregular plural  nouns:

These are men's shoes. Children's clothes are very expensive.

We can use a possessive instead of a full noun phrase  to avoid repeating words:

Is that John's car?       No, it's Mary's.  (NOT  No, it's Mary's [ car ] .) Whose coat is this?       It's my wife's.  (NOT  It's my wife's [ coat ] .)

MultipleChoice_MTYxNDk

GapFillTyping_MTYxNTE

“I’m looking for a women’s sweater”. In other words, I’m looking for a sweater which is made for women. I think my sentence is correct but I can’t explain why.

• Log in or register to post comments

Hello Amaltheaerev,

Yes, that's correct. I'm not sure what you are unsure about, but if it's the article 'a', it is correct because you're speaking about one sweater.

If you have another question about it, please let us know.

All the best, Kirk LearnEnglish team

It would be "a woman's sweater" or "women's sweaters" with no article.

- we don't use indefinite articles 'a' / 'an' with plural nouns - - nouns used as adjectives - adjectives don't have a plural/single/gender form in English, there is no agreement rule, as there is in other languages, so when we used a noun as an adjective we don't usually use plural forms, but as always in English, there are exceptions. - Athletics coach (rather than an athletic coach - who is in good shape) - Sports medicine ( this field of medicine covers all sports) - Teachers union (the union is for all teachers) - Girls/boys hockey team (the team comprise all boys or girls) - Nurses station (a station for all nurses) - arts degree (a degree in the arts and social sciences - humanities vs an art degree – in fine art) - women's clothes (clothes for all women)

Hello Mr Moore

My question is about the expressions a friend of Mary’s / one of Mary’s friends / a friend of Mary.  Could you please tell me which one is correct and why is that so?

Thanks a lot.

Hi Rosaesrosa,

Actually, they are all correct!

Some people say there is a slight difference between them. A friend of Mary may emphasise one direction of the friendship - from this person towards Mary. i.e., This person considers Mary to be his/her friend. This structure can also be used to show support, in the same direction (e.g. He's a friend of the hospital - means he supports the hospital in some way e.g. by donating money). 

In comparison, a friend of Mary's and one of Mary's friends emphasises the opposite direction: i.e., Mary considers this person to be a friend. However, the nuance is extremely slight, and it is not universally agreed.

Hope that helps.

LearnEnglish team

I have a question regarding the object following a plural form posessive. Do I need to use the plural for the object as well? Example, which one is correct: This also has an impact on these patients’ immune system. OR This also has an impact on these patients’ immune systems.

Hello Liesl_W,

Both are possible, depending on how far you are looking at each item as individually distinct as opposed to something which is homogeneous and common to every individual in a broadly similar way.

In your example, if you are thinking of every patient as having their own immune system which is affected in a different way (some more, some less) then the plural would be the better choice: these patients' immune systems . However, you could think of the immune system as a biological function common to everybody which is affected in broadly the same way then the singular could be used: these patients' immune system .

The LearnEnglish Team

Hi, guys! Can you please let me know: when i say "it is Lucy and Clara`s car." Here i put apostrophe only with "Clara" in case both Lucy and Clara are the owners of the car, right? But, can i say: " This car is Lucy`s and Clara"? is it correct? So, i need to put apostrophe only with a name which is closer to the noun (car), right?

Hello Babanova,

Yes, that's right: when the apostrophe goes after 'Clara', it means that the car belongs to both women. The apostrophe goes after the last person's name.

We don't put the apostrophe only with 'Lucy' (like in your second sentence); the correct way is 'This car is Lucy and Clara's.'

You might hear some people say 'This car is Lucy's and Clara's', but strictly speaking, this is not correct. When the apostrophe is used with both names, it refers to different things, e.g. 'Those cars are Lucy's and Clara's. The green one is Lucy's and the red one is Clara's.'

Hope this helps.

Hello Pratapsingh,

That sentence looks correct to me. I'm afraid I can't explain the rule that you read somewhere else.

All the best,

Hello Westley,

Regarding the spelling, all are usually spelled simply by adding 's : Dash's car, Rich's brother, Soh's sister.

As for the pronunciation of words ending with an 'sh' or 'ch' sound, a short vowel sound is pronounced between the end of the noun and the 's . The word 'Rich's', for example, is pronounced exactly like ' riches '; if you follow the link, you can click to hear the pronunciation. 'Dash's' sounds like the plural of 'dash': 'dashes'.

I can't think of a word that ends with an 'h' sound in English, so I'm afraid I can't say anything about the pronunciation of such a word. If you have one in mind, please let me know.

Hello bakh.sh85,

Both the second and third ones are correct, but mean different things. I suppose the second one is the one you mean -- it refers to the daily activity of the students. (Should it be 'activities'? If you want to emphasise that they do many different things, then you could make it plural. If you just mean all their work in general, 'activity' is fine.)

The third one means the activity of the daily students.

Hello bakh.sh85,

Yes, that's right.

Be careful with the apostrophe with the word 'student', however:

> student's activities = 1 student

> students' activities = more than 1 student

Hello Jack,

That depends on how you classify them, but in general, yes, I'd say they're the same or at least similar. As for how they are different, in the first, the object is a noun ('gaze'), whereas in the second, the object is a phrase with a verb as its head ('having had to bury it').

I'm not sure if I've answered your question, so please let us know if you were asking about something else.

It's possible to use a possessive form before a gerund. For example:

My friend sleeps a lot, but in spite of her sleeping  she gets a lot of work done.

Your example is similar to this, but the possessive form is a noun with 's:

..a desire that was still alive, despite his father's having had to bury it, over dozens of years...

Hello Ricky118,

Pre-, central and postdeterminers are descriptors based on acceptable sequencing in phrases, so it's helpful to consider the item in question in context:

' all our students' options ' contains a predeterminer ( all ), a central determiner ( our ) and a postdeterminer ( students' ). You can see this if you try to change the order; no other order is possible.

I hope that clarifies it for you. Please note that our site is really aimed at language learners rather than students of linguistics and I think your question really falls into the latter category. You may find a linguistics orientated site more useful for these kinds of questions. Stack Exchange has a linguistics section which is a good place to start:

https://linguistics.stackexchange.com/

Hello HelenHelen15,

Both forms could be correct in different contexts and I'd really need to know the specific situation you want to use this in to make a good recommendation. But in general, 'customer choice' is probably better when you aren't talking about a specific group of customers, and 'customers' choice' is probably better when you do have a specific group in mind.

Hello Yolanda,

I would recommend 'boys' shoes', though I'm sure you could find 'boys shoes' or 'boy's shoes' if you did an internet search. 'boys's' is not correct in any situation. 

Hello sneixx,

In the first and second examples I would say planet's  and students'  (i.e. with the apostrophes) are the correct options.

In the third example it is not clear. I think school's is more likely, but both are possible, depending on the speaker's intention and the context.

Hello xeesid,

English is a very flexible language and words can have multiple functions. Generally, however, linguists look at forms like education system as compound nouns rather than an adjective + noun form. Compound nouns in English can be single words ( keyboard, bookcase etc.), they can be hyphenated ( ice-cream, president-elect etc.) or they can be two words ( coffee table, forest fire etc.).

You can read more about compound nouns here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_compound#Compound_nouns

As far as Wednesday goes, you have two choices. You can use the apostrophe and this would be the most common form;

Wednesday's sunset was beautiful.

You can also use Wednesday as an adjective. In this case, you would need to use 'the':

The Wednesday sunset was beautiful.

Hello re_nez

You can find both spellings out there, but the one we use at the British Council is 'boss's'. Both are pronounced the same: /'bɒ sɪz/.

All the best

Hello Teacher Lizzy

That's correct: 'selection of products' is correct. The possessive 's is not normally used when the possessor is not a person, animal or group of living beings.

There are many exceptions to this rule, but 'products' is not one of them. You can see a longer explanation of this, with more examples, in the Cambridge Dictionary .

Since there is no single official authority regarding what is correct in English, there is some disagreement about this (and other) points of spelling and punctuation in English. Most of these points are minor and do not cause any confusion.

We have included the form we prefer, but you are welcome to use others that other reliable sources consider correct.

Hello Keila_Blizzard

The correct answer for 3 is "neighbours' dog" and for 8 "Smiths' party". There was an error with 8, but I've just fixed it.

By the way, after you check your answers, you can press the 'Check Answers' button to see the correct answers.

Thanks for pointing this out to us.

Hello Moaz al halabi,

The word 'ignorant' is an adjective, not a noun, so only the second sentence ( an ignorant post ) is grammatically correct.

The word to describe a person is 'ignoramus', but it is a very rarely used word and will sound archaic to most people.

I should point out that the word 'ignorant' is very strong and its use is likely to cause offence or anger. Unless that is your goal then something more tactful might be more effective.

The second one is correct.

Hi llin,

It's  is correct here. The meaning is 'The coat is my wife's', but we replace 'The coat' with 'It' to avoid repetition:

Whose coat is this? The coat is my wife's > It is my wife's > It's my wife's.

Hello Vane0610

When we speak about a family by using their surname, for example 'Smith', we can say 'the Smith family' or, more commonly, 'the Smiths' -- notice that this is plural. This is why the correct answer is Smiths' and not Smith's in this context.

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What Are Possessive Nouns? (with Examples)

Marcus Froland

March 28, 2024

Picture this: you have something and you want to make it clear that it’s yours . In English, we have a special way to do that, and it involves changing the words a little bit. It sounds simple, right? But there’s a catch. Knowing how to tweak these words can be the difference between sounding like a native speaker and…well, not.

Now, we’re not talking about any magic tricks here. We’re talking about possessive nouns . These little changes can pack a big punch in making your sentences crystal clear. And if you think you’ve got this down already, think again. There might be more to learn than you realize.

So, what are they really all about? Stick around, because we’re just getting started.

Possessive nouns show ownership or belonging. They tell us who or what something belongs to. To form a possessive noun , we usually add ‘s to the end of a singular noun, like in “dog’s leash” which means the leash that belongs to the dog. For plural nouns that already end in s , we just add an apostrophe at the end, like in “dogs’ park” to talk about a park for many dogs.

If the plural noun does not end in s , then we add ‘s , just like with singular nouns. An example is “children’s toys,” referring to toys owned by children. Remember, possessive nouns help make our sentences clear by showing who owns what.

Understanding the Concept of Possessive Nouns

At its core, the definition of possessive nouns revolves around indicating ownership or a tangible connection to something. An example would be “Sanjay’s phone” or “Sanjay’s sister,” where a relationship between the owner (Sanjay) and the respective object or person exists. In numerous sentence structures, possessive adjectives like “his” or “her” reveal the owner’s connection to an item.

Created by the presence of an apostrophe followed by ‘s’, possessive nouns serve as a grammatical tool to highlight not just ownership, but also close associations, such as family relationships or belonging to a specific place. They appear in various forms, including singular or plural nouns, possessive pronouns, and even unique cases like irregular possessive nouns . By understanding possessives, one can effectively convey the concept of possession within the structure of English grammar.

Possessive nouns emphasize ownership and close associations, enriching the clarity and depth of our written and spoken language.

To better grasp the ownership in grammar and hone your language skills, here’s a closer look at the different types of possessive nouns:

• Singular possessive nouns (i.e., “Jessica’s book”)
• Plural possessive nouns (i.e., “students’ notebooks”)
• Possessive pronouns (i.e., “hers” or “its”)
• Irregular possessive nouns (i.e., “children’s toys”, “men’s clothing”)

An effective possessive case explanation also delves into the nuances of these forms and the rules governing their usage. In doing so, one can convey ownership and associations accurately, preventing confusion and grammatical errors.

By exploring the world of possessive nouns and their underlying rules, you will further enhance your understanding of the English language and better articulate notions of ownership and close connections in your day-to-day communication.

How to Form Possessive Nouns: The Basics

Mastering the art of forming possessive nouns can significantly improve your writing and communication skills. In this section, we provide clear guidelines for creating possessive nouns, focusing on three key areas: singular possessive nouns , plural possessives, and singular nouns ending in ‘s’.

The Simple Rule for Singular Possessives

To create a singular possessive noun, you simply need to add an apostrophe and an ‘s’ to the end of a singular noun. This rule covers mass nouns, collective nouns, and proper nouns, even if the proper noun already ends in ‘s’. By adding the apostrophe and ‘s’, you showcase ownership or a connection to items, concepts, or individuals. For instance:

• The cat ‘s toy
• Susan ‘s backpack
• World ‘s largest pizza

Turning Plurals into Possessive Nouns

When working with plural nouns, possessive nouns are formed differently depending on whether the plural noun ends with ‘s’ or not. For plural nouns ending in ‘s’, simply add an apostrophe after the ‘s’ (no need for an additional ‘s’). This differentiates simple plural nouns from possessions. Examples include:

• Teams ‘ uniforms
• Cats ‘ toys

For plural nouns that do not end in ‘s’, form the possessive by adding an apostrophe followed by ‘s’, such as:

• Children ‘s playground
• Men ‘s shoes

Dealing with Singular Nouns Ending in ‘s’

For the most part, singular nouns ending in ‘s’ form their possessive by adding an apostrophe followed by ‘s’. However, style preferences and pronunciation may affect whether or not you should include the additional ‘s’, particularly with historical names. For instance:

• Charles ‘s car
• James;s book

Despite varying practices, possessive nouns essentially function like adjectives, modifying the following nouns within sentences to indicate clear ownership or connection.

Remember, understanding the grammar rules for forming possessive nouns is crucial for effectively communicating ownership within the English language. Keep practicing and sharpening your skills to become a top-notch writer!

The Relationship Between Possessive Nouns and Ownership

Possessive nouns are essential grammatical constructs intricately connected to the concept of ownership and direct associations. They represent who or what an object belongs to within the structure of a sentence, making it easy to communicate possession or connection between entities in a clear and concise manner. The appropriate use of possessive nouns ensures proper expression of ownership and connection, ultimately providing clarity and precision in written and spoken communication.

The accuracy of possessive noun usage relies heavily on the correct placement of apostrophes and the use of appropriate possessive forms . Depending on the noun’s type, whether it is singular, plural, follows standard or irregular pluralization rules, or is a proper noun, the construction of the possessive noun can vary. Keeping these factors in mind enables you to maintain linguistic clarity when demonstrating relationships of possession or close association.

Showing ownership and direct connections through possession nouns can be accomplished in various ways. Here are a few examples of how to effectively use possessive nouns in sentences:

• Adam’s car was parked in the driveway.
• The dogs’ toys were scattered all over the yard.
• Mary and John’s house is just around the corner.

“Jenny’s cat is the most playful little creature I’ve ever met!”

These examples showcase the use of possessive nouns to indicate a connection between the owner and the object or concept with which it is associated. In this context, the position of the possessive noun in relation to the owned object is crucial for conveying the intended meaning and maintaining clarity within the sentence.

Remember, mastering the use of possessive nouns is essential to accurately convey ownership and direct connections in a sentence. By understanding how they relate to the concept of ownership and following the appropriate grammatical rules, you can ensure effective communication in both written and spoken language.

Examples of Singular Possessive Nouns in Context

Using singular possessive nouns correctly not only enhances the clarity of your writing but also showcases your mastery of grammar. In this section, we explore different types of singular possessive nouns and their usage in various contexts.

Exploring Possessive Nouns with Common Singular Nouns

Singular possessive nouns come in various forms, such as mass nouns and collective nouns. Here are some examples of their usage:

• The team’s captain led them to victory.
• The love’s labor in the garden was apparent.
• A computer’s processor is a crucial component.

In each example, the possessive noun directly and immediately connects to the object being owned or associated with.

Navigating Proper Nouns and Possession

When working with proper nouns, mastering the singular possessive form is essential. For proper nouns ending in ‘s’, use an apostrophe followed by an ‘s’ to indicate possession:

• Maria’s purse matched her outfit perfectly.
• The boss’s chair was surprisingly comfortable.
• Los Angeles’s traffic is notorious.

This possessive mechanism also applies to hyphenated and compound proper nouns:

• Billie-Jean’s talent on the tennis court was undeniable.
• We admired the Empire State Building’s magnificent architecture.

Special Cases of Singular Possessives

Irregular possessive nouns are singular (or irregular plural) nouns that defy common possessive formation patterns. Consider these examples:

The geese’s flock flew gracefully across the sky. The heroes’ feast was fit for kings.

In both instances, the construction of the possessive hinges on whether the noun ends in an ‘s’ or not. After taking into account this factor, you can determine the appropriate possessive form.

By examining and understanding these different contexts, you’ll be well-equipped to employ singular possessive nouns in various situations effortlessly. Remember that correct apostrophe placement and knowledge of possessive forms are crucial for success in this endeavor.

Plural Possessive Nouns and Their Usage

Plural possessive nouns are essential in demonstrating that more than one individual collectively owns an object or is associated with a concept. In this section, we will delve into the application of plural possessive nouns and how to correctly form them based on the words’ structure.

When it comes to forming plural possessives , there are two main cases that depend on whether the plural noun ends in ‘s’ or not. Let’s take a closer look at each scenario:

Plural nouns ending in ‘s’: For these, simply add an apostrophe (‘) at the end of the word. For example, if we want to indicate that multiple cars have engines, the plural possessive is written as “cars’ engines.”

Plural nouns not ending in ‘s’: For these unique plural forms, adding an apostrophe followed by ‘s’ (’s) creates the plural possessive. In the instance of “children,” to convey that several children share homework, we write “children’s homework.”

To further illustrate the importance of understanding plural possessives, consider the following examples:

Remember that these rules apply when indicating a single entity’s ownership of multiple objects or the shared ownership of an item by more than one person. For example, “students’ books” specifies that several students have their respective books.

By recognizing these principles and applying them appropriately, you can effectively communicate ownership or association with possessive noun application and convey the intended meaning in your sentences. Keep practicing, and you’ll master the art of plural possessives in no time.

Distinguishing Between Plural and Possessive Forms

Many English language learners face challenges when differentiating between plural and possessive forms of nouns. This is due to the subtle, yet significant role apostrophes play in these grammatical constructions. In this section, we’ll shed light on the importance of apostrophes, discuss situational examples, and address common mistakes to avoid with possessive nouns.

Understanding the Importance of Apostrophes in Possessives

The apostrophe is a powerful punctuation mark that plays a crucial role in forming possessive nouns. Its presence or absence can completely change the meaning of a word. For example, “dogs” refers to multiple canines (plural), while “dog’s” describes something that belongs to a single dog (possessive).

In some situations, especially those involving compound or hyphenated nouns, the apostrophe becomes even more important in order to maintain the integrity of the conveyed message. Developing a strong understanding of apostrophe significance will help prevent confusion between plurals and possessives, ensuring correct possessive usage .

Situational Examples: Pluralization vs. Possession

By looking at situational examples, we can better comprehend the difference between pluralization and possession.

• boys : plural noun indicating more than one boy.
• boy’s : possessive noun referring to something that belongs to a single boy.

Another example is “two dogs’ tails” versus “two dog’s tails.” The first phrase indicates several dogs and their tails, while the second implies two tails belonging to a single dog. Both instances highlight the significance of differentiating between plurals and possessives in English.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Possessive Nouns

Possessive noun errors often stem from misplaced apostrophes, leading to unintended meanings. To avoid these mistakes, you must understand and apply the rules that govern possessive formation.

Remember: singular possessives require both an apostrophe and ‘s’, while plural possessives typically only need an apostrophe.

By applying these guidelines consistently, you eliminate confusion between singular and plural meanings and ensure proper communication of possession instead of mere pluralization.

Practice these rules and focus on correct possessive usage to ensure clarity and avoid common mistakes in your writing.

Practical Tips for Mastering Possessive Nouns

Mastering possessive nouns is essential for clear communication and proper grammar usage. To sharpen your skills, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the basic rules of apostrophe placement and consistently practice correct usage. Being aware of different possessive forms can help you avoid confusing singular possessives with contractions or other grammatical forms.

Using possessive nouns in appropriate contexts and understanding the nuances between shared and separate ownership is key for effectively conveying possession in English. By focusing on deciding when to use an apostrophe and an ‘s’ or just an apostrophe, you can drastically improve your command over possessive nouns.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Reading and writing exercises, both formal and informal, can help you better recognize and apply possessive forms in various situations. The more you engage with possessive nouns in real-life contexts, the more natural their usage will become. By following these grammar tips and dedicatedly working on mastering possessive nouns , you can further enhance your English language proficiency and communication skills.

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Possessive Nouns: A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Ownership in English

By: Author English Study Online

Posted on Last updated: November 3, 2023

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In this page, we will delve into the meaning and usage of possessive nouns, and provide examples to help you gain a better understanding of this topic. We will cover the fundamental rules for forming possessive nouns, including the correct use of apostrophes and the placement of possessive nouns in sentences. Additionally, we will discuss common mistakes to avoid when using possessive nouns, and offer tips on how to use them correctly.

Table of Contents

Understanding Possessive Nouns

Possessive nouns are a type of noun that shows ownership or possession of something. To form a possessive noun, we usually add an apostrophe (‘s) to the end of the noun . For example, “ the dog’s bone ” shows that the bone belongs to the dog. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If the noun is plural and ends in s, we simply add an apostrophe at the end of the word. For example, “ the students’ notebooks ” shows that the notebooks belong to the students.

It’s important to note that not all possessive nouns have an apostrophe. For example, possessive pronouns like “yours” and “theirs” do not have an apostrophe. Additionally, some possessive nouns that end in s may only require an apostrophe without an additional s. For example, “James’ car” is correct, but “James’s car” is also acceptable.

Types of Possessive Nouns

In English, there are different types of possessive nouns. Understanding each type is essential in using them correctly. In this section, we will discuss two types of possessive nouns: singular and plural possessive nouns.

Singular Possessive Nouns

Singular possessive nouns are used to show ownership or possession of a single item. They are formed by adding an apostrophe and the letter “s” at the end of the noun. Here are some examples of singular possessive nouns:

• The dog’s bone
• The cat’s toy
• John’s car
• Mary’s book

Note that if the noun already ends in “s,” you can add only an apostrophe at the end. For example:

• Chris’ guitar
• The boss’ office

Plural Possessive Nouns

Plural possessive nouns are used to show ownership or possession of more than one item. They are formed by adding an apostrophe after the “s” at the end of the noun. Here are some examples of plural possessive nouns:

• The dogs’ bones
• The cats’ toys
• The students’ books
• The teachers’ lesson plans

Note that if the noun does not end in “s,” you should add an apostrophe and an “s” to form the plural possessive noun. For example:

• The children’s clothes
• The men’s shoes

Understanding the different types of possessive nouns is essential in using them correctly. By using the correct form, you can convey your message accurately and avoid confusion.

Usage of Possessive Nouns

Possessive nouns are used to show ownership or possession of something. They can also be used to indicate relationships between people or things, and to form contractions. In this section, we will explore the different ways in which possessive nouns are used.

Indicating Ownership

Possessive nouns are commonly used to indicate ownership of something. To form the possessive form of a noun, add an apostrophe (‘) and an “s” at the end of the noun.

• For example, “ the dog’s bone ” indicates that the bone belongs to the dog.

Possessive nouns can also be used to indicate ownership of abstract concepts or ideas.

• For example, “ the company’s success ” indicates that the success belongs to the company.

Showing Relationships

Possessive nouns can also be used to indicate relationships between people or things.

• For example, “ my sister’s friend ” indicates that the friend belongs to my sister.

Possessive nouns can also be used to show the relationship between a person and their body parts or possessions.

• For example, “ John’s arm ” indicates that the arm belongs to John.

Forming Contractions

Possessive nouns are also used to form contractions.

• For example, “ it’s ” is a contraction of “ it is “, and “ she’s ” is a contraction of “ she is “. In both cases, the apostrophe indicates that a letter has been omitted.

It is important to note that possessive nouns are not used to indicate plurals.

• For example, “the dogs’ bones” indicates that the bones belong to multiple dogs.

Common Mistakes with Possessive Nouns

Possessive nouns can be tricky, and even native English speakers make mistakes with them. In this section, we’ll cover two common mistakes people make with possessive nouns: apostrophe errors and confusion with plurals.

Apostrophe Errors

One of the most common mistakes people make with possessive nouns is using apostrophes incorrectly. Remember that the apostrophe is used to show possession, not plurality. Here are some examples of correct and incorrect usage:

• Correct : The dog’s bone
• Incorrect : The dogs’ bone (incorrect because it implies multiple dogs sharing one bone)
• Correct : My sister’s car
• Incorrect : My sisters’ car (incorrect because it implies multiple sisters sharing one car)

It’s also important to note that the apostrophe is not used when the noun is already plural. In this case, simply add an “s” to show possession. For example:

• Correct : The students’ notebooks
• Incorrect : The student’s notebooks (incorrect because it implies only one student)

Confusion with Plurals

Another common mistake people make with possessive nouns is confusing plurals. Remember that when a noun is plural, the apostrophe goes after the “s.” Here are some examples:

• Correc t: The dogs’ bones
• Incorrect : The dog’s bones (incorrect because it implies only one dog)
• Correct : The teachers’ cars
• Incorrect : The teacher’s cars (incorrect because it implies only one teacher)

It’s also important to note that some plural nouns do not end in “s,” such as “children” and “women.” In these cases, simply add an apostrophe and an “s” to show possession. For example:

• Correct : The children’s toys
• Incorrect : The child’s toys (incorrect because it implies only one child)
• Correct : The women’s coats
• Incorrect : The woman’s coats (incorrect because it implies only one woman)

Possessive Nouns in Different Contexts

As we have learned, a possessive noun shows ownership or a direct connection. In this section, we will explore how possessive nouns are used in different contexts.

In Sentences

Possessive nouns are commonly used in sentences to indicate who owns or possesses something. For example:

• Our teacher’s classroom is always neat and organized.
• The dog’s bark woke up the entire neighborhood.
• My sister’s car broke down on the side of the road.

In each of these sentences, the possessive noun indicates who or what is doing the owning or possessing.

Possessive nouns are also used in phrases to indicate the relationship between two nouns. For example:

• The Queen of England’s crown is worth millions of dollars.
• The company’s CEO’s office is on the top floor of the building.
• The book’s author’s signature was on the first page of the novel.

In each of these phrases, the possessive noun indicates the relationship between two nouns. The first noun is the object being owned or possessed, while the second noun is the owner or possessor.

It’s important to note that possessive nouns are not always necessary in these contexts. For example, we could say “ The crown of England ” instead of “ The Queen of England’s crown .” However, using a possessive noun can make a sentence or phrase more concise and easier to understand.

Practice Exercises with Answers

Now that we’ve covered the basics of possessive nouns, it’s time to put our knowledge to the test with some practice exercises. These exercises will help you solidify your understanding of possessive nouns and ensure that you can use them correctly in your writing and speech.

Exercise 1: Singular Possessive Nouns

In this exercise, you’ll be asked to identify the correct possessive noun to use in a sentence. Here are a few examples:

• The ___ car is parked in the driveway. (girl/girl’s)
• ___ dog is barking loudly. (my/mine)
• The ___ book is on the shelf. (teacher/teacher’s)

Check your answers below:

• The girl’s car is parked in the driveway.
• My dog is barking loudly.
• The teacher’s book is on the shelf.

Exercise 2: Plural Possessive Nouns

In this exercise, you’ll be asked to identify the correct plural possessive noun to use in a sentence. Here are a few examples:

• ___ bikes are in the garage. (children/children’s)
• The ___ coats are hanging in the closet. (men/men’s)
• The ___ cats are sleeping on the couch. (neighbors/neighbors’)
• The children’s bikes are in the garage.
• The men’s coats are hanging in the closet.
• The neighbors’ cats are sleeping on the couch.

Exercise 3: Mixed Possessive Nouns

In this exercise, you’ll be asked to identify the correct possessive noun to use in a sentence, whether it’s singular or plural. Here are a few examples:

• The ___ car is parked in the driveway, and the ___ bikes are in the garage. (girl’s/children’s)
• ___ dog is barking loudly, and ___ cat is sleeping on the couch. (my/their)
• The ___ book is on the shelf, and the ___ coats are hanging in the closet. (teacher’s/men’s)
• The girl’s car is parked in the driveway, and the children’s bikes are in the garage.
• My dog is barking loudly, and their cat is sleeping on the couch.
• The teacher’s book is on the shelf, and the men’s coats are hanging in the closet.

By completing these exercises, you should now have a better understanding of possessive nouns and how to use them correctly. Keep practicing and using possessive nouns in your writing and speech to ensure that you’re using them accurately and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some examples of possessive nouns in sentences?

Possessive nouns are used to show ownership or possession of something. Here are some examples of possessive nouns used in sentences:

• The cat’s tail was twitching.
• My sister’s car is parked in the driveway.
• The teacher’s lesson was very informative.
• The company’s profits increased by 10%.

What are the rules for creating possessive nouns?

To create a possessive noun, you typically add an apostrophe and the letter “s” to the end of the noun. For example, “the dog’s bone” or “the child’s toy”. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If the noun already ends with an “s”, you can either add an apostrophe and another “s” or just an apostrophe. For example, “James’s car” or “James’ car”.

When do I use ‘s or s’ to create a possessive noun?

The general rule is to use ‘s to create a possessive noun, but if the noun already ends with an “s”, you can use either ‘s or just an apostrophe. For example, “the boss’s office” or “the boss’ office”. However, if the noun is plural and ends in “s”, you just add an apostrophe at the end. For example, “the teachers’ lounge”.

What are the different types of possessive nouns?

There are two types of possessive nouns: singular possessive nouns and plural possessive nouns. Singular possessive nouns show ownership of one thing, while plural possessive nouns show ownership of more than one thing. For example, “the girl’s hat” is a singular possessive noun, while “the girls’ hats” is a plural possessive noun.

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Possessive Noun and Plural Possessive Form—Grammar Guide (Examples)

What is a possessive noun ? Nouns possessing a thing or object (real or imagined) are referred to as possessive nouns .

Making a noun possessive often comes with confusion for many writers, as they are unaware of where the apostrophe should be placed.

Are the rules the same for independent possessive pronouns as they are for plural terms?

How can you be sure a proper noun is in its possessive form?

Here, you will learn all about what makes a term possessive and how to write grammatically correct sentences in the possessive format.

What is possessive form?

Possessive form shows ownership or separate possession by adding “ ‘s” or simple “ ‘” to a noun.

The possessive form of writing is often used, but learning all the English grammar rules associated with this style can seem almost impossible.

Fret not, as once you understand how to use possessive nouns, understanding what makes them grammatically correct is rather easy.

The important thing to remember here is that a possessive noun (people, places, or inanimate objects ) shows that one or multiple nouns owns something.

What are possessive nouns?

A possessive noun is a noun that is used to show possession, ownership of something, or a direct connection.

Typically, these are recognized by the apostrophe and the letter “S” at the end of the word somewhere.

Remember, nouns are words used to identify any class of people, things, places, ( common nouns ) or to name a particular person, thing, or place ( proper nouns ).

Some examples of possessive nouns are as follows:

• “The tree’s leaves.”
• “ Daniel’s baseball mitt”
• “The bottle’s cap.”

When should you use a possessive noun?

Writers use a possessive noun to show possession or ownership of something.

Additionally, these terms can be used to indicate a direct connection between the subject and an object.

Typically, possessive nouns are placed directly in front of the object of ownership in a sentence .

When possessive nouns are not used, one can show ownership with the preposition “of.”

For instance:

“…the headphones of the student.”

Notice that this statement can be re-written as “…the student’s headphones.”

In both cases, the possessive form is present.

The audience understands that the “student” is the owner of “the headphones” mentioned in the statement.

Essentially, one should use possessive nouns to describe any situation where a noun owns or possesses something.

Types of possessive nouns

There are four types of possessive nouns to be aware of, which causes confusion for many writers.

Still, there are simple rules to follow that make understanding these words much more manageable.

Plural possessive noun

Plural possessive nouns are trickier to understand because the most singular nouns will usually add an “S” at the end of it to make it plural (unless it is irregular).

With plural possessive nouns, the typical way to write them is to use an apostrophe at the end of the word.

However, for general and proper nouns, like “ class ” or “ Russ ,” the ‘s format is still used to make it a plural possessive noun.

Lastly, keep in mind that the rules for irregular plural nouns are different ( see below).

• “ teams’ game”
• “ pencils’ case”
• “ students’ test”
• “ bottles’ packaging”

Singular possessive

Singular possessive nouns are the most basic and most used form of possessive nouns.

That said, a singular possessive noun is a single noun that becomes possessive by adding an apostrophe and the letter “S” to the end of the word.

Singular possessive nouns also include an “S” at the end of the term even if the noun already ends in an “S.”

As long as the proper noun is singular, singular possessive nouns always include an apostrophe and an “S.”

This also applies to both mass and collective nouns .

Mass are nouns that don’t have a plural form and are uncountable, like “money” or “clothing.”

Collective are nouns that are singular nouns that represent various things, like “family” or “squad.”

• “ Lacy’s car door”
• “ team’s forward”
• “ boss’s chair”
• “ Russ’s barber shop”

Possessive pronouns

Pronouns are words that are used as substitutes for nouns or noun phrases that are either named or already understood in context.

There are two types of possessive pronouns: weak possessive pronouns and strong possessive pronouns.

Weak possessives serve as determiners in front of nouns, and are not plural.

These include terms like:

In comparison, strong plural possessive pronouns stand on their own and are a type of independent genitive.

Some examples of words that can act as strong possessive pronouns include:

Essentially, pronouns are used to avoid repetition.

Typically, possessive pronouns do not come before the object of the possessive.

Instead, what the possessive pronoun refers to was already mentioned in the statement.

Therefore, one uses possessive pronouns to avoid repeating the initial word.

• “I don’t have my book with me . Can I use yours ?”
• “I wish I had a fashion sense like hers .”
• “David’s house is closer to the club than mine is.”
• “I wanted to develop a website that ran similar to his .”
• “I couldn’t think of a second noun to use, so I used hers .”

Irregular possessive

As previously mentioned, most plural nouns end with an “S,” but that rule doesn’t apply to all plurals.

That said, irregular plural nouns include terms like “children” or “teeth.”

Further , these terms each have unique plural forms.

When irregular possessive nouns ends with an “S,” one only needs to add an apostrophe.

When irregular possessive nouns do not end in “S,” one adds both an apostrophe and an “S.”

• “wolves’ den (singular: wolf’s den)
• “women’s brunch” (singular: woman’s brunch)
• “children’s toys” (singular: child’s toys)
• “knives’ shelf” (singular: knife’s shelf)

Where to add an apostrophe rules

In the case of singular possessive nouns , one adds an apostrophe at the end of the singular noun, followed by an “S.”

No matter what letter the singular noun ends in, the format stays the same.

So, the format for a singular possessive noun looks like this:

[single noun] + [‘s]

For a plural possessive noun , one includes an apostrophe at the very end of the term.

If the plural form of the word is irregular, the format is different from that of plural possessive nouns.

Still, this is how a plural possessive noun should look:

[plural noun] + [‘]

In the case of possessive pronouns , you do not need to add an apostrophe to the term in question.

Recall that possessive pronouns include terms like “mine,” “yours,” “his/hers/theirs,” and “ours.”

As you can see in each possessive pronoun, you simply leave the term as is.

This rule makes understanding how to use possessive pronouns a little easier.

When writing possessive nouns that are irregular , the rule differs depending on if the plural ends in an “S” or not.

When an irregular possessive noun ends in an “S,” the format is:

[plural word] + [‘]

Possessive apostrophes are formatted differently for irregular plurals that do not end in an “S.”

[plural term] + [‘s]

Plural nouns vs. plural possessive nouns

A plural noun is when there is more than one person, place, or thing.

Most plural nouns add an “-s” or “-es” to the end of the term to become plural.

Recall that plural possessive nouns indicate that more than one noun has ownership of a thing.

Since a plural noun almost always ends in an “S,” only an apostrophe is required at the end of the term.

Take the following comparison to see the difference between plural forms of singular words:

“The dog’s bone is in the kitchen.”

In this sentence, the reader knows there is one dog, and that dog owns the bone that is currently in the kitchen.

Now, look at this second sentence:

“The dogs are playing in the park.”

In this second example, the reader understands that there is more than one dog at the park.

Lastly, see these two sentences:

“Kyle’s dogs ran away. The dogs’ leashes were nowhere to be found.”

These statements contain two possessives.

The first is “Kyle’s” and the second is “dogs’.”

In the first sentence, the reader can see that not one dog belongs to Kyle, but multiple (because the first noun is plural).

In the second, the reader understands that the leashes belong to the dogs.

The correct form of a plural or singular possessive noun is often simply differentiated by an apostrophe.

Compound possessives

If a possessive noun is a compound word, the rules are similar to other possessives.

First, here are a few examples of compound nouns:

• Grandmother
• Firefighter

When the compound word is singular, simply include an apostrophe to make it possessive and show ownership.

• “The firefighter’s helmet.”
• “My grandmother’s birthday cake.”

When the compound plural noun ends in an “S,” the possessive looks like this:

• “The firefighters’ helmets.”
• “Our mailboxes’ tags.”

Hyphenated possessives

A hyphenated word is a type of compound term that typically includes two or more nouns connected by a hyphen .

Some more examples of compound terms with hyphens include:

• Mother-in-law
• Merry-go-round

When a hyphenated noun possesses other nouns, one writes the possessive form like this:

• “My mother-in-law’s last word.”
• “Her ex-husband’s lease.”

When the possessive singular nouns become plural and end in an “S,” they are written as such:

“The X-rays’ images were clear enough to read .”

However, if the plural does not have an “S” at the end, one adds both an apostrophe and an “S” to the final term, which looks like this:

“The mothers-in-law’s behaviors were not expected.”

Possessive adjectives

A possessive adjective is an adjective (describing word) that modifies a noun by showing who has possession of it.

That said, the most frequently used possessive adjectives include:

Take the following sentence for instance:

“Michael placed his shirt on the table.”

In this statement, the adjective “his” indicates to the reader that Michael owns the shirt.

These adjectives can also be used to show ownership of a figurative object, such as :

“Piper described her daydream to me at lunch.”

In the previous case, “her” is the possessive adjective .

Lastly, these types of adjectives can refer to relationships people have with others.

• “Gavin and Ben are driving with their parents.”
• “Their” depicts that the parents are related to Gavin and Ben, not that Gavin and Ben own their parents.

Possessive Nouns and Plural Posessive Nouns FAQs

Can an apostrophe and an “s” together represent a contraction.

Yes. Two words put together to make a single word can also do this. For example: ice-cream. Or ice-cream. These can be compound nouns , as well. For example, “coffee table,” “forest fire.”

What is a plural possessive noun that ends in an apostrophe “s”?

An example would be “children’s clothes.” Without an apostrophe “s” and being a possessive noun would be: kids toys, smiths house (referring to the smith family). Each relate to different things but indicate possession.

What are the seven possessive nouns?

Mine, ours, yours, his, hers, its, and theirs.

What are the three rules of possessive nouns?

Rule 1: To form the possessive of a singular or to add an apostrophe and an s.

Rule 2: For a plural noun, add only an apostrophe (‘)

Rule 3: For a possessive noun that does not end in an “s” letter, add an apostrophe and “s” letter. For examples, “mice’s.”

More on nouns

More resources about nouns:

• Possessive nouns
• Irregular plural nouns
• Proper nouns
• Concrete nouns
• Collective nouns
• Possessive and plural nouns
• What is a possessive adjective? – Thesaurus.com
• Possessive Pronoun – Definition and Examples – ThoughtCo.
• What Are Posessive Nouns? (with Examples) – Grammar Monster
• What Is a Mass Noun? – Grammarly
• Pronoun definition – Merriam-Webster
• Possessive Nouns: How to Use Them, With Examples – Grammarly
• Hyphenated Words: Usage, Rules, and Examples – Pro Writing Aid
• What Are Proper Nouns And How Do You Use Them?
• Compound Nouns | Grammar – EnglishClub
• 6. Compounding Rules A compound word is a union of two or more nouns

Inside this article

Fact checked: Content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. Learn more.

About the author

Dalia Y.: Dalia is an English Major and linguistics expert with an additional degree in Psychology. Dalia has featured articles on Forbes, Inc, Fast Company, Grammarly, and many more. She covers English, ESL, and all things grammar on GrammarBrain.

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What Is a Possessive Noun? How to Use Them (with Examples)

Krystal N. Craiker

You probably know that a noun is a person, place, or thing. But when a noun has possession of another noun, things can get a little tricky. We typically use apostrophes to show possession. However, it’s easy to get confused about where to put those apostrophes.

Today, we’re doing a deep dive into possessive nouns. We’ll cover exactly what they are and how to write them correctly.

What Are Possessive Nouns?

What are some examples of possessive nouns in a sentence, what is a possessive pronoun, what are some examples of possessive pronouns in a sentence, can you use possessive nouns.

A possessive noun is a noun that possesses (owns or has power over) something else . Before you start worrying about nouns possessing you like an angry ghost or jealous boyfriend, let me clarify what we mean by possessive.

In this case, possessive nouns show ownership or belonging.

In other words, if a noun has something that belongs to it, we need to turn that noun into its possessive form.

Take a look at the following examples. The bolded nouns are the possessive one.

• the dog’s bone
• the baby’s pacifier
• the students’ exams
• The Smiths’ vacation home

The bone belongs to the dog, the pacifier belongs to the baby, and so on. The noun to which the object belongs is the one we write in the possessive form.

How Do I Write a Possessive Noun in the Singular Form?

When it comes to a singular noun (i.e. only one person, place, or thing), we usually add an apostrophe plus the letter /s/ . The apostrophe follows the singular form of the noun, and the /s/ follows the apostrophe.

Most singular nouns do not end in an /s/ so it feels natural to add the apostrophe plus /s/ at the end of the word. Here are some examples:

• the hen’s egg
• a rat’s tail
• my mom’s recipe

But even if a singular noun ends in an /s/ , we still add an apostrophe plus another /s/ . It might look or sound strange to have the extra /s/ , but this is often the grammatically correct way to write singular possessive nouns.

What does this look like? Check out these examples of singular possessive nouns.

• the bus’s radiator
• the iris’s petals
• an octopus’s tentacle

The same rule applies to singular possessive proper nouns. A proper noun is a noun that has to be capitalized, like a person’s name or a specific place. It doesn’t matter if the proper noun ends in an /s/ or not. If you are only talking about one proper noun, add an apostrophe followed by an /s/ .

These examples show you how to write singular proper nouns in the possessive form.

• Michelle’s book
• Mr. James’s class
• Hawaii’s capital
• Dallas’s mayor

The rule never changes for singular possessive nouns, but things can get trickier with plural nouns.

How Do I Write a Possessive Noun in the Plural Form?

Plural possessive nouns follow two different rules. It depends on how the word is written in the possessive form.

When a noun is made plural by adding an /s/ , like most nouns in English, we write the possessive form by adding the /s/ and then an apostrophe. Nothing comes after the apostrophe in plural possessive nouns.

It looks like this:

• my kids’ toys
• the neighbors’ yard
• the homes’ occupants

But some nouns do not end in an /s/ when they are plural. When this is the case, follow the same format as singular possessive nouns. You will add an apostrophe plus an /s/ . Here are a few examples.

• the children’s teacher
• the geese’s nest
• people’s rights

With proper nouns, we make them plural by adding an /s/ or, in the case of proper nouns that already end in /s/ , we add an /es/ . To make them possessive, add an apostrophe after the last /s/ .

• the Joneses ’ new dog
• the Dunns ’ anniversary
• the Obamas’ organization

Only add an apostrophe to proper nouns if you are using the plural possessive noun to indicate that the noun possesses something.

If you are just making a proper noun plural, no apostrophe is needed. Don’t sign your Christmas cards using an apostrophe in your family’s last name, or you’ll leave people wondering, “The Blacks’ what?”

So, when you’re writing a plural possessive noun, ask yourself if the plural form already ends in an /s/ . If so, just add the apostrophe at the end of the plural form. If not, treat it like a singular possessive noun and add an apostrophe plus /s/ .

It’s easy to slip up and put the apostrophe in the wrong place. ProWritingAid’s grammar report will make sure that you are writing your possessive nouns correctly.

We’ve looked at a few examples of possessive nouns, but you might be wondering how these are used in sentences. Let’s take a look at some sentences that use possessive nouns.

• I went over to my aunt’s house for dinner last night.
• We played with my cousins’ new Playstation.
• He helped pass the two junior senators’ bill.
• The monkey’s baby was so tiny!
• Have you seen Uncle Jerry’s new motorcycle?
• The Martinezes’ anniversary is tomorrow.

Once you’ve mastered the three rules for writing possessive nouns, you’ll have no trouble remembering where to put the apostrophe. But what about pronouns?

Pronouns are words that replace more specific nouns. I , he , she , and it are all pronouns.

Possesive pronouns indicate ownership. They are words like mine , his , hers and its . Here's an example:

That was the dog's ball. It was his to play with.

See how "his" replaces "the dog's" in the second sentence? Possessive pronouns are words that show possession while replacing other nouns or proper nouns.

Possessive pronouns follow their own set of rules, and they don’t use any apostrophes. There are thirteen possessive pronouns.

What Are the 13 Possessive Pronouns?

There are two types of possessive pronouns.

• Independent possessive pronouns do not have a noun immediately following them. They are sometimes called strong possessive pronouns.
• Dependent possessive pronouns go before the noun and help to identify it in further detail. They are sometimes called weak possessive pronouns or possessive adjectives.

The independent singular possessive pronouns are mine , yours , his , hers , and its . The independent plural possessive pronouns are ours , yours , and theirs . Notice that yours is both singular and plural. Its is very rarely used as an independent possessive pronoun in modern English.

Dependent possessive pronouns function as determiners before another noun.

The dependent singular possessive pronouns are my , your , his , her , and its . The dependent plural possessive pronouns are our , your , and their . You’ll notice that your is used for both singular and plural forms, and that his is both independent and dependent.

When it comes to its vs. it’s , the possessive pronoun never uses an apostrophe. If the word is showing possession, use its . If the word is a contraction of “it is,” use it’s .

Now that we know the different types of possessive pronouns, let’s look at some examples.

Take a look at the sentences below. Can you identify which sentences use independent and dependent possessive pronouns? What about singular and plural possessive pronouns?

• The ball is mine .
• Give me back my sweater!
• I can’t believe that is your name on the marquee!
• I told her the money is yours , not hers .
• His grandmother makes the best lasagne.
• The red coat? It was his .
• It’s time for her appointment.
• Oops. I cracked its shell.
• We reminded him that the seats were ours .
• I think the car is theirs .
• Their dog is a basset hound.

Possessive nouns and pronouns can be tricky until you learn the rules. Fortunately, with a bit of practice, you can get them right, every time. And if you don’t remember all the rules, that’s fine too. ProWritingAid’s Realtime Report is always there to help if you get it wrong.

Try the Realtime Report with a free ProWritingAid account.

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Krystal N. Craiker is the Writing Pirate, an indie romance author and blog manager at ProWritingAid. She sails the seven internet seas, breaking tropes and bending genres. She has a background in anthropology and education, which brings fresh perspectives to her romance novels. When she’s not daydreaming about her next book or article, you can find her cooking gourmet gluten-free cuisine, laughing at memes, and playing board games. Krystal lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband, child, and basset hound.

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Worst or worse: which one to use, difference between ‘then’ and ‘than’, who vs whom, possessive nouns.

Possessive nouns are a fundamental aspect of English grammar that indicate ownership or possession. They help us specify who or what owns something, adding clarity and precision to our sentences. Forming possessive nouns typically involves adding an apostrophe and sometimes an “s” to the noun. In this guide, we’ll explore the various rules and guidelines for forming possessive nouns, helping you understand this grammatical concept.

What Are Possesive Pronouns?

A possessive noun is a noun that shows ownership or possession. It indicates that something belongs to someone or something else. To form a possessive noun, we usually add an apostrophe and an “s” (‘s) to the end of the noun. For example, in “Sarah’s book,” the possessive noun “Sarah’s” shows that the book belongs to Sarah.

It’s important to distinguish between possessive nouns and plural nouns. Plural nouns indicate more than one of something, and they are often formed by adding “s” or “es” to the end of the noun. However, they do not show ownership. For example, “cats” is a plural noun that means more than one cat, but it does not indicate that something belongs to the cats.

Forming Possessive Nouns

To form possessive nouns, we need to follow certain rules depending on whether the noun is singular or plural.

Singular Nouns

For most singular nouns, we make them possessive by adding an apostrophe and an “s” (‘s) to the end of the noun. For example:

• Cat’s toy (the toy belongs to one cat)
• Sarah’s book (the book belongs to Sarah)

Plural Nouns

For plural nouns that already end in “s,” we make them possessive by adding just an apostrophe (‘) to the end of the noun. For example:

• Cats’ toys (the toys belong to multiple cats)
• Teachers’ lounge (the lounge for the teachers)

Special Cases

📌 For plural nouns that do not end in “s,” we add an apostrophe and an “s” (‘s) to make them possessive. For example, “children’s toys” (the toys belong to the children).

📌 For compound nouns, we add an apostrophe and an “s” (‘s) to the end of the entire noun. For example, “mother-in-law’s house” (the house of the mother-in-law).

📌 For names ending in “s,” we can either add an apostrophe and an “s” (‘s) or just an apostrophe (‘). For example, “James’s book” or “James’ book” (the book belongs to James).

Exercise 1: Identify Possessive Nouns

Read the sentences below and underline or highlight the possessive nouns.

• The cat’s whiskers are very long.
• My sister’s favorite book is missing.
• The teachers’ lounge is on the second floor.
• Alex’s bike is new.
• The children’s playground is open.

Exercise 2: Writing Activity

Use the possessive nouns provided to create your own sentences. Try to show ownership in different contexts.

• The dog’s leash.
• My parents’ house.
• The teacher’s desk.
• The birds’ nest.
• Anna’s phone.

Wrapping Up

Possessive nouns play a crucial role in indicating ownership in the English language. By following the rules for adding apostrophes and “s” to nouns, we can clearly express possession and make our writing more precise. Remember that singular nouns typically require an apostrophe followed by an “s,” while plural nouns that already end in “s” just need an apostrophe. Regular practice and attention to these guidelines will help you become more confident in using possessive nouns correctly in your writing and communication.

How do you form possessive nouns?

To form possessive nouns, add an apostrophe and “s” (‘s) to the end of singular nouns, even if they end in “s.” For plural nouns that already end in “s,” add only an apostrophe (‘). For plural nouns that don’t end in “s,” add an apostrophe and “s” (‘s).

What is the difference between possessive nouns and plural nouns?

Possessive nouns show ownership or possession, while plural nouns indicate more than one of something. Possessive nouns use an apostrophe (and sometimes an “s”), whereas plural nouns typically add “s” or “es” without an apostrophe. For example, “cat’s” (possessive) vs. “cats” (plural).

Can proper nouns be possessive?

Yes, proper nouns can be possessive. To make a proper noun possessive, follow the same rules as for common nouns. Add an apostrophe and “s” for singular proper nouns and just an apostrophe for plural proper nouns that end in “s.” For example, “Alice’s book” or “the Joneses’ house.”

Are apostrophes always used to show possession with nouns?

Apostrophes are commonly used to show possession with nouns, but there are exceptions. For example, possessive pronouns (like “hers,” “its,” “yours,” “ours”) do not use apostrophes. Additionally, some style guides suggest using only an apostrophe for singular proper nouns ending in “s,” like “James’ book.”

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