Form the singular or plural possessive

Key Notes:

Understanding Possessive Nouns

  • A possessive noun shows ownership or possession.
  • It indicates that something belongs to someone or something.

Forming Singular Possessive Nouns

  • To form the possessive of a singular noun, add an apostrophe (') followed by the letter s.
    • Example: The dog’s bone (The bone belongs to the dog).
    • Example: Lisa’s book (The book belongs to Lisa).

Forming Plural Possessive Nouns

  • If a plural noun already ends in s, simply add an apostrophe after the s.
    • Example: The dogs’ owner (The owner of the dogs).
    • Example: The teachers’ lounge (The lounge for the teachers).
  • If a plural noun does not end in s, add an apostrophe followed by s.
    • Example: The children’s toys (The toys of the children).
    • Example: The men’s room (The room for men).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Do not confuse plural nouns with possessive nouns.
    • Plural noun: Cats are cute. (No possession)
    • Possessive noun: The cat’s tail is long. (Shows possession)
  • Avoid placing the apostrophe in the wrong place.
    • Incorrect: The dog bone’s (this could imply the bone has something of its own).
    • Correct: The dog’s bone.

Using Possessives in Sentences

  • Have students practice writing sentences using both singular and plural possessives.
  • Example: The girl’s dress is blue. (Singular possessive)
  • Example: The girls’ dresses are blue. (Plural possessive)

Possessive Pronouns vs. Possessive Nouns

  • Possessive pronouns (e.g., his, her, their) do not use an apostrophe, unlike possessive nouns.
    • Example: That is her book. (No apostrophe)

Possessive Nouns in Compound Words

  • When forming the possessive of compound nouns, add the possessive form to the last word.
    • Example: My sister-in-law’s car (The car belongs to my sister-in-law).

Let’s practice!✒️