Possessives
A possessive noun shows possession
of one noun by another.
To create a possessive form from a singular noun, add
an apostrophe plus s (’s) to the end of the noun.
Example:
The boy’s book
The word “boy’s” is the possessive noun.
It tells you that the noun “book” belongs
to the boy.
Example:
The dog’s collar
The word “dog’s” is the possessive noun.
It tells you that the dog possesses the
collar.
Which sentence uses a
possessive noun correctly?
Assume that there is only ONE dog.
The dogs bowl is red.
The dogs’ bowl is red.
The dog’s bowl is red.
Which of the words in this sentence
is the possessive noun?
The cat’s ball rolled.
cat’s
ball
rolled
When the possessive noun is plural
(more than one), the rule is different.
If you formed the plural by adding an “s” on the
end of the word, you add only an apostrophe (’)
after the final “s.”
Example:
The boys’ basketball
Example:
The kids’ carousel
If two or more boys share a
basketball, then you form the
possessive by adding the apostrophe
to the end of the plural “boys.”
If two or more kids share a carousel,
then you form the possessive by
adding the apostrophe to the end of
the plural “kids.”
Which sentence uses
a possessive noun correctly?
Assume that there are several athletes.
The athlete’s ball went out of
bounds.
The athletes’ ball went out of bounds.
The athletes’s ball went out of
bounds.
If the plural noun is an “irregular plural,”
use the same convention as for a
singular noun.
Form the possessive of an irregular plural noun
by adding apostrophe plus s (’s) .
Example:
The children’s marbles
Example:
Women’s clothing
“Children” is a plural noun, but
you form the possessive by
adding ’s.
“Women” is also a plural noun.
You form this possessive by
adding ’s also.
Which sentence uses
a possessive noun correctly?
The geese’s goslings were the color
of new grass.
The geeses goslings were the color
of new grass.
The geeses’ goslings were the color
of new grass.
Which sentence uses
a possessive noun correctly?
The ibises feathers were damaged.
The ibis’s feathers were damaged.
The ibis’ feathers were damaged.
Which sentence uses
a possessive noun correctly?
Titan is Saturns largest moon.
Titan is Saturns’ largest moon.
Titan is Saturn’s largest moon.
In each
each example
form
In
examplebelow,
below,
form
the correct
the
correctpossessive.
possessive.
the dogs bone
Mikes birthday
peoples homes
childrens games
Janets trumpet
the cats milk
the students school
the moons phases