Possessives

A possessive noun shows possession

of one noun by another.

Example: The boy’s book

The word “dog’s” is the possessive noun. It tells you that the dog possesses the collar.

To create a possessive form from a singular noun, add an apostrophe plus s (’s) to the end of the noun.

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 dogs bowl is red.

The dogs’ bowl is red.

The dog’s bowl is red.

Which sentence uses a possessive noun correctly?

Assume that there is only ONE dog.

cat’s

ball

rolled

Which of the words in this sentence is the possessive noun?

The cat’s ball rolled.

If you formed the plural by adding an “s” on the end of the word, you add only an apostrophe (’) after the final “s.”

When the possessive noun is plural (more than one), the rule is

different.

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.”

The athletes’ ball went out of bounds.

The athletes’s ball went out of bounds.

Which sentence uses a possessive noun correctly?

Assume that there are several athletes.

The athlete’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.

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.

Which sentence uses a possessive noun correctly?

In each example below, form the correct possessive.

the dogs bone

the cats milk

Mikes birthday

Janets trumpet

childrens gamespeoples homes

In each example below, form the correct possessive.

the students school

the moons phases