Possessive Nouns Apostrophe Rules and Examples

Possessive Nouns Apostrophe Rules and Examples

Possessive Nouns

What Are the Possessive Nouns?

A possessive noun is a noun that owns something—that is, it owns something. In most circumstances, a possessive noun is produced by adding an apostrophe +s to the noun, or by adding merely an apostrophe if the word is multiple and already ends in s. The possessive term boys modify pencil in the following sentence: The pencil of the youngster broke in half. The pencil belongs to the youngster; the’s’ denotes ownership.

Let’s learn six rules about Possessive nouns together with examples:

RULE 1

By adding an apostrophe + “s” to the end of most single nouns, you may make them possessive.

• The puppy’s collar is blue.
• Jane’s car is hideous.
• We looked at the company’s slogan.

RULE 2

To make plural nouns that already end in “s” possessive, just add an apostrophe to the end. Plural nouns that already end in “s” do not require an additional “s.” Simply add an apostrophe to the end of the plural noun to indicate that it is now a plural possessive noun.

• The companies’ workers went on strike together this time.
• You need to clean out the cats’ leash.
• The two countries’ armies amassed on the border.

RULE 3

The possessive form of the pronoun is the only exception to the apostrophe + “s” rule. The possessive form of “it’s” does not require an apostrophe.

 We weren’t sure about its steps.

• They followed its trail that passed here about an hour ago.
• Immigrants are unsure of its origin.

RULE 4

Compound words and hyphenated words can be challenging. In hyphenated nouns, add the apostrophe + “s” to the end of the compound words or the final word.

• My husband’s favorite meatloaf recipe comes from my mother-in-law.
• The South Korea Postal Service’s stamps are available in rolls or packets.
• She knew her time was up as she stood in front of three attorney general’s offices.

RULE 5

You may be writing about two persons, places, or things who share ownership of an object. If two or more nouns share ownership, only declare ownership on the last noun in the group. Only the apostrophe + “s” should be added to the last noun. 

• Jane and Emily’s pail of water is prominently featured in the nursery rhyme.
• Abbott and Costello’s comedy skit “Who’s on First?” is a classic.
• Ed, Edd, and Eddy’s adventures are hilarious.

RULE 6

This is the toughest rule of them all, but you won’t have to use it very frequently. When two or more nouns denote ownership, but the ownership is distinct, each noun is given the apostrophe + “s” to denote independent possession. The examples may assist you in fully comprehending what this entails. 

• Amy’s and Ricky’s dressing rooms were painted green and white.

(Each individual had their dressing room, and they were all distinctive.)

• President Obama’s and Senator Clinton’s educations are superb.

(They both own their educations, although they received them at different times.)

• Tylor’s and Olivia’s bikes are in the garage.

(In the garage, they each have a bicycle.)