Singular and Plural Possessive Nouns
A possessive noun shows ownership.
To form the possessive of most singular nouns, add ’s ( dog = dog’s )
To form the possessive of a plural noun that ends in s add only an ’ ( dogs = dogs’ )
To form the possessive of a plural noun that does not end in s add ’s (men = men’s)
The one dog’s bowl is empty. (one bowl owned by the one dog) dog ’s = Sing. Poss.
The ten dogs’ bowls are empty. (ten bowls owned by the ten dogs) dogs ’ = Plural. Poss.
Rules for forming Possessive Nouns
1. For singular nouns:
Add ‘s
2. Plural nouns that end in s
Add only an ‘
3. Plural nouns that do not end in s
Add ’s
plural
dogs
cats
boys
shoes
cars
girls
A woman’s glove---------sing. poss.
Mr. Ross’s hat------------- sing. poss.
The teacher’s question----sing. poss.
The students’ papers------Plural poss.
The Williamses’ house---Plural poss.
The girls’pens--------------Plural poss.
The men’s umbrellas------- Plural poss.
The geese’s nest------------- Plural poss.
The women’s uniforms----- Plural poss.
singular possessive
plural possessive
one dog’s bowl
one cat’s bowl
one boy’s pen
a shoe’s lace
a car’s tire
a girl’s earring
two dogs’ bowls
two cats’ bowls
two boys’ pens
two shoes’ laces
two cars’ tires
two girls’ earrings