Possessive Nouns and Possessive Pronouns

Certain rules must be followed while forming possessive nouns.

1. The possessive of a singular noun is formed by adding an apostrophe (') and an -s.

Examples:

  • doctor's clinic

  • mother's blouse

2. The possessive of a plural noun is formed by adding an apostrophe (') after the -s.

Examples:

  • teachers' review materials

  • artists' paintings

3. The possessive of a plural noun that does not end in -s is formed by adding an apostrophe (') and an -s.

Examples:

  • children's gift

  • fishermen's nets

4. The possessive of a proper noun that ends in -s or -z is formed by adding an apostrophe (') and an -s.

Examples:

  • Mrs. Santos's daughter

  • Mr. Gomez's car

5. The possessive of a proper noun that ends in -s and has an ending /ez/ sound is formed by adding an apostrophe (') after the -s.

Examples:

  • Moses's rod

  • Socrates' pupil

6. The possessive of a compound noun is formed by adding an apostrophe (') and an -s to the last word.

Examples:

  • sister-in-law's car

  • commander-in-chief's unit