2. A possessive noun is used to show
possession (owning or having).
The girl’s shirt.
◦ Can also show an attribute or aspect
The book’s pages
Possessive nouns tell you who or
what the modified noun or pronoun
belongs to.
www.rhlschool.com/eng3n9.htm
www.wisc-online.com/objects/ViewObject.aspx?ID=wcn1601
3. The word "dog's" is the possessive noun. It
tells you that the noun "collar" belongs to
the dog.
Add 's to the end of a singular noun to
make it possessive.
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4. If the noun is singular and ends with an s,
add 's or add only the apostrophe (').
For example:
◦ The bus’s engine stopped.
◦ The bus’ engine stopped.
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5. Sisters+’
With words that are plural and end
with -s, like “sisters”, add the
apostrophe (’) to the end.
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6. If it already ends in s, add an apostrophe only
Bus bus’
Dogs dogs’
If it doesn’t have an s add an apostrophe S
Cat cat’s
Women women’s
7. Children +’s
Nouns that are plural but DO NOT end
in –s, uses the apostrophe (’) s.
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8. The sailors’ boat was uncomfortable.
Mr. Evans’ class has a great website.
The class’ teacher was very young.
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9. The pony’s rider was too small.
Your brother’s attitude got him in
trouble.
Amy’s report card was excellent.
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10. Mother’s dinner begins at 6:00.
The attendants’ uniforms were blue
and gold.
The babysitters heated the babies’
bottles.
webschool.wash.k12.ut.us/language/lessons/possessivenouns.html
11. Douglas borrowed Kristen’s ruler.
The volunteers’ program needs more
people.
The horses’ manes were brushed.
webschool.wash.k12.ut.us/language/lessons/possessivenouns.html
12. Add an apostrophe and s ('s) to form the
possessive of most singular nouns.
Add an apostrophe (') to form the possessive
of plural nouns that end with s.
Add an apostrophe and s ('s) to form the
possessive of plural nouns that do not end
with s.
webschool.wash.k12.ut.us/language/lessons/possessivenouns.html