POSSESSIVE NOUNS

For first and last names that end in "s", you can add "’s" or just "’".

SINGULAR NOUNS (+ 'S)	PLURAL NOUNS (+ ')	IRREGULAR PLURAL NOUNS (+ 'S)
Sister → Sister’s	Parents → Parents’	Children → Children’s
Brother → Brother’s	Brothers → Brothers’	Women → Women’s

Possessive nouns are used to show ownership or relationship. They indicate that something belongs to someone or something. In English, possessive nouns are formed by adding an apostrophe and the letter "s" to the end of a singular noun or to plural nouns that do not end in "s." For plural nouns ending in "s," only an apostrophe is added.

Useful Expressions

1. Singular Possessive - Add ’s to a singular noun.

   • Example: The dog’s leash (The leash belongs to the dog).

2. Plural Possessive (not ending in "s") - Add ’s to the plural noun.

   • Example: The children’s toys (The toys belong to the children).

3. Plural Possessive (ending in "s") - Add only an apostrophe ’ to the plural noun.

   • Example: The cats’ toys (The toys belong to the cats).

4. Compound Nouns - Add ’s to the last noun in the compound.

   • Example: My sister-in-law’s house (The house belongs to my sister-in-law).

Sentences

1. Mary’s book is on the table.
2. The students’ assignments are due tomorrow.
3. The teacher’s desk is in the corner.
4. The cats’ beds are very comfortable.
5. John and Emma’s car is parked outside.
6. The company’s policy is strict.
7. Sarah’s dress is very beautiful.
8. The neighbor’s dog is very friendly.

Questions and Answers

Q: How do you indicate possession for a singular noun?
A: Add ’s to the end of the singular noun. For example, "Anna’s phone."

Q: How do you show possession for a plural noun that does not end in "s"?
A: Add ’s to the end of the plural noun. For example, "The children’s room."

Q: How do you form the possessive for a plural noun that ends in "s"?
A: Add only an apostrophe ’ after the "s." For example, "The teachers’ lounge."

Q: How do you ask about what belongs to someone?
A: Use "Whose" followed by the noun and the possessive form. For example, "Whose book is this?"

Q: How do you respond to "Whose car is parked outside?"
A: "It’s John’s car." or "It’s the neighbor’s car."

Q: How do you indicate possession for compound nouns?
A: Add ’s to the last noun in the compound. For example, "My brother-in-law’s office."

Conversation

A: Hi Emily, do you know whose pen this is?

B: Yes, that’s Mark’s pen. He must have left it here.

A: Oh, I see. And whose notebook is this on the desk?

B: That’s Sarah’s notebook. She often leaves it here after class.

A: I need to find the children’s drawings for the art project. Do you know where they are?

B: Yes, they are in the kids’ room.

A: Thanks! By the way, whose house are we visiting this weekend?

B: We’re visiting my aunt’s house.

A: Great! I’ll make sure to bring a gift.

B: That sounds perfect!