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English Possessive ‘s

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Possessive ‘s

When we want to show that something belongs to somebody or something, we usually add ‘s to a singular noun and an apostrophe ‘ to a plural noun, for example:

  • the boy’s ball (one boy)
  • the boys’ ball (two or more boys)

Notice that the number of balls does not matter. The structure is influenced by the possessor and not the possessed.

one ball more than one ball
one boy WSM Image
the boy’s ball		 WSM Image
the boy’s balls
more than one boy WSM Image
the boys’ ball		 WSM Image
the boys’ balls

The structure can be used for a whole phrase:

  • the man next door’s mother (the mother of the man next door)
  • the Queen of England’s poodles (the poodles of the Queen of England)
Although we can use of to show possession, it is more usual to use possessive ‘s. The following phrases have the same meaning, but #2 is more usual and natural:

  1. the boyfriend of my sister
  2. my sister’s boyfriend

Proper Nouns (Names)

We very often use possessive ‘s with names:

  • This is Mary’s car.
  • Where is Ram’s telephone?
  • Who took Anthony’s pen?
  • I like Tara’s hair.

When a name ends in s, we usually treat it like any other singular noun, and add ‘s:

  • This is Charles’s chair.

But it is possible (especially with older, classical names) to just add the apostrophe ‘:

  • Who was Jesus’ father?

Irregular Plurals

Some nouns have irregular plural forms without s (man > men). To show possession, we usually add ‘s to the plural form of these nouns:

singular noun plural noun
my child’s dog my children’s dog
the man’s work the men’s work
the mouse’s cage the mice’s cage
a person’s clothes people’s clothes

POSSESSIVE

The general rules concerning the possessive form of words, abbreviations, and phrases appear below. For exceptions and rules applicable to specialized cases, such as biblical names, consult an English grammar text.

Common Nouns

  • Create the possessive form of a singular or plural noun, which does not end in s, by adding an apostrophe and an s.
    • the child’s ball
    • the people’s choice
    • the car’s color
    • the books’ covers

    In instances involving compound nouns, the ‘s is added to the element nearest to that which is possessed.

    • the auditor general’s report
    • the attorney at law’s address

    In instances of joint possession, placing the apostrophe on the last element of a series.

    • Barton & Henderson’s store
    • Eisenhower and Nixon’s administration

    However, in instances of individual or alternative possession, use an apostrophe for each element of the series.

    • men’s and women’s clothing
    • bachelor’s and master’s degrees
    • New York’s or New Jersey’s governor
  • Create the possessive form of a singular or plural noun, which ends with an s sound, by adding only an apostrophe.
    • the players’ equipment
    • Tom Jones’ television special
    • the cars’ tires
    • the man’s coat

    Proper Names

  • Create the possessive form of a proper noun in the same manner as for a common noun. For singular proper names, add ‘s. For plural names, and some singular names, which end in an s, add only an apostrophe.
    • Canada’s resources
    • United States’ budget deficit
    • New Orleans’ restaurants
    • the Whites’ cottage
    • Jones’ skates
    • Dickens’ writings
  • Create the possessive form of a name, which ends in a silent s, z, or x, by adding ‘s.
    • Perez’s turn at bat
    • Des Moines’s airport
    • Guy Marcoux’s reputation

    Abbreviations

  • Create the possessive form of an abbreviation in the same manner as you would for a word or term that was spelled out completely. Add ‘s for the singular possessive or an apostrophe only for the plural possessive.
    • the IRS’s district offices
    • AT&T’s 1-800-telephone number
    • NBC’s newscast
    • IBM Corp.’s district sales office

    Numerals

  • Create the possessive form of a noun that is composed of numerals in the same manner as you would for other nouns. Add ‘s for the singular possessive or an apostrophe only for the plural possessive.
    • 1995′s convocation ceremony
    • the 1930s’ economic reversals

    Phrases

  • Create the possessive form of a phrase by adding an ‘s or apostrophe to the last word of the phrase.
    • his brother-in-law’s house
    • board of trustees’ meeting
    • a month or two’s work

    Indefinite Pronouns

  • Create the possessive form of indefinite pronouns by adding ‘s.
    • one’s rights
    • anyone’s decision
    • someone’s hat
    • somebody’s purse
    • everybody’s efforts
    • somebody else’s problem
    • each other’s gifts
    • either’s choice

    For some indefinite pronouns, it is preferable to indicate possession by using an “of” phrase.

    • the responsibility of each
    • the benefit of many
    • the safety of all

    Possessive Pronouns

  • For possessive pronouns, do not use apostrophes.
    • his
    • hers
    • mine
    • ours
    • theirs
    • its

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