Welcome to Singular and Plural Possessive Nouns! By Lauren Gorski

Lesson Overview - Home What Is a Possessive Noun? Singular Possessives Definition and Examples Plural Possessives Concept Map Independent Practice Activity

What Is a Possessive Noun? Possessive nouns are nouns that use an apostrophe to show ownership of something. Example: Ms. Gorski’s lesson “Ms. Gorski’s” is an example of a possessive noun because Ms. Gorski owns the lesson she created. There are two types of possessive nouns: singular possessive and plural possessive.

Singular Possessive Nouns Definition: Singular possessive nouns are singular nouns (one person, place, or thing) that use an apostrophe and an “s” to show their ownership of something. The apostrophe always comes before the “s.” Examples: the cat’s toy Meaning: the toy belongs to one cat. the girl’s lunchbox Meaning: the lunchbox belongs to one girl. If the singular noun already has an “s” on the end, still add an apostrophe “s.” Example: Jess’s baseball bat Meaning: the baseball bat belongs to Jess.

Plural Possessive Nouns Definition: Plural possessive nouns are plural nouns (more than one person, place, or thing) that use an apostrophe to show their ownership of something. Here’s the tricky part: Sometimes the apostrophe comes before the “s” and sometimes it comes after! Example: the cats’ toy Meaning: the toy belongs to more than one cat. Remember: Some plural nouns are not just singular nouns + “s” (like cat and cats) but instead are spelled differently. Example: mouse (singular)  mice (plural) Add an apostrophe “s” to these nouns to make them plural possessive. Example: the mice’s hole (plural possessive) Meaning: the hole belongs to the mice. If the plural possessive noun has an “s” on the end already, just add an apostrophe after the “s.” Example: wolf (singular)  wolves (plural) Example continued: the wolves’ prey (plural possessive) Meaning: the prey belongs to the wolves.

Concept Map

Independent Practice Activity First, read the following directions and raise your hand if you need a printed copy of this lesson: Click the picture of the red van and watch the animation until it stops. Click where it says “Power Proofreading, click here.” After that, type your name in the box and click “Go.” Close the “How to Start” menu that pops up. Click on “Grade 8” (the blue folder on the right). Choose the passage “Dimes for Rhymes.” Click “Play!” To complete the activity, read the passage first. Then click on the singular and plural possessive nouns that are incorrect. Use the keyboard to correct these nouns, then click “Ok!” There is a “ding” sound when you are correct, and a “boing” sound when you are incorrect and need to try again. There are 8 errors in the passage, and they will be highlighted for you when you find and correct them all. Once you finish, begin the Possessive Noun Practice handout. Click here to begin the activity.