1. Knowing How to use the apostrophe + S
Possessives
Knowing How to use the apostrophe + S

2. Possessive Nouns--Singular
A possessive noun is a noun that names who or what has something…hence the word possessive…
Most singular nouns require an ’s to show possession.
For example:
the woman’s sweater
David’s lunch
a dog’s toy

3. Possessive Nouns--Singular
How do you make a singular noun possessive when the singular noun already ends in an “s”?
There are two rules to consider:
1. If the noun is a common noun ending in s, add an ’s.
the class’s projects
the canvas’s size
2. If the noun is a proper noun ending in s, add an ‘.
Mr. Jones’ policies
the United States’ debt
Kansas’ universities
Jesus’ disciples

4. Possessive Nouns--Plural
For plural nouns that end in s, add an ’.
the boys’ toys
the girls’ coloring books
the countries’ landscapes
actresses’ roles
For plural nouns that do not end in s, add an ’s.
the children’s books
women’s rights
men’s clothing

5. Possessive Pronouns Possessive Pronouns NEVER GET AN APOSTROPHE. his
her—hers
it—its
When you add an apostrophe to “its” you create “it’s” which means “it is”…
your—yours
our—ours
their—theirs
my—mine

6. Proper Names
Proper names that end in s, ch, or z require careful consideration when using a singular possessive or plural possessive form.
For example:
Mr. Birch’s house is on Brown Street.—singular since Mr. Birch appears to live alone in this sentence.
The Birches’ house is on Brown Street.—plural since the Birch Family lives in the house and the plural form alludes to all family members.
The last name is Birch, but since it ends in “ch” it becomes “Birches” in the plural form. An apostrophe at the end makes it possessive.
The same applies to last names ending in s and z. Make the word plural first, then add the apostrophe.

7. Joint or Individual Possession
Use a single apostrophe for joint possession.
Robert Smith and Rebecca Green’s psychology textbook.
They coauthored the textbook.
Stanley and Scarlett’s house.
They share the house.
Use an apostrophe for each possessor for individual possession.
France’s and Italy’s domestic policies are diverging.
Mark’s and John’s houses were designed by the same architect.