What is a possessive apostrophe?
A possessive apostrophe is used to indicate that something belongs to someone or something else.
Examples:
Mary’s house → The house belongs to Mary.
The dog’s tail → The tail belongs to the dog.
The teachers’ lounge → The lounge belongs to the teachers.
Now, when do we use ‘s and s’? Here are simple rules to help you get it right.
1. Add ’s to singular nouns.
If a noun is singular, add ’s to show possession.
Where is Mary’s house? (The house belongs to Mary.)
I borrowed my friend’s book. (The book belongs to my friend.)
2. Add ’s to plural nouns that don’t end in -s.
Some plural nouns don’t end in -s, like people, children, and men. For these, add ’s just like you would for singular nouns.
She always corrects people’s grammar. (Grammar belongs to people.)
The children’s playground is closed. (The playground belongs to the children.)
Men’s clothing is sold on the second floor. (Clothing for men.)
3. Add only (’) to plural nouns that end in -s.
If a plural noun already ends in -s, just add an apostrophe after the final s—no extra s needed!
You need your parents’ permission. (The permission belongs to your parents.)
The students’ projects were impressive. (The projects belong to the students.)
The Smiths’ house is on this street. (The house belongs to the Smith family.)
4. Add ’s to the second noun when two people share possession.
When two or more people jointly own something, add ’s only to the second noun.
Tom and Jane’s apartment is not that far from here. (Tom and Jane share one apartment.)
Lisa and Mark’s wedding was beautiful. (Lisa and Mark had one wedding together.)
5. Add ’s after each noun when possession is separate.
If two people own separate things, add ’s to both names.
Tom’s and Jane’s cars are old. (Tom has one car, and Jane has another. They don’t share the same car.)
Sarah’s and Emily’s rooms are next to each other. (Each has their own room.)
6. For names ending in -s, you can use either ’s or just (’).
If someone’s name ends in -s, you have two choices:
- Add ’s (James’s hat): James’s hat is on the table.
- Just add (’) (James’ hat): James’ hat is on the table.
(Both are correct! Just remember to be consistent with whichever style you choose.)
7. Use ’s with compound nouns and indefinite pronouns.
My mother-in-law’s advice was helpful. (Compound noun: add ’s to the last word.)
Somebody’s phone is ringing. (Indefinite pronoun: words like somebody, anyone, nobody take ’s.)
When NOT to Use a Possessive Apostrophe.
Don’t use an apostrophe for regular plurals (when you’re not showing ownership).
Incorrect: The dog’s are playing outside.
Correct: The dogs are playing outside.
Incorrect: I have three friend’s coming over.
Correct: I have three friends coming over.