How Do You Form a Possessive Noun?

 

In English, the singular form of the (count and noncount) noun has its own possessive form. The plural form of the (count) noun also has its own possessive form.

Let's look now - step by step - at how to form the singular possessive form and the plural possessive form, and look at some examples.

Singular Nouns

 

Possessive Form of Singular Nouns

Most Nouns
Add ~s to the end of the singular noun.
 
Russell's childhood and his mother's childhood were very different.

 

Singular Nouns that End in ~s, ~z, or ~ch
When the singular noun in possession ends in the letter ~s, ~z or ~ch, simply add the apostrophe (~') to the end of the word.
 
Juan de Pareja had been a slave and had lived in Velazquez' house and (had) served Velazques for many years.
   


Plural Nouns

 

Possessive Form of Plural Nouns

Regular Plural Nouns
1)  Put the noun in its plural form. 
2)  Add the apostrophe.

singular form 1) plural form 2) plural possessive:
    add the apostrophe (')
parent parents parents'
Radley Radleys Radleys'
The children want to know what is going on inside the Radleys' home.


Irregular Plural Nouns
1)  Put the noun in its plural form. 
2)  Add the apostrophe then ~s.
singular form 1) plural form 2) plural possessive:
    apostrophe then ~s
child children children's
The children's teachers were strict.


What's Wrong with This Sentence?

 

Problem:     All of the sisters of my father live in Sheepshead Bay.

Solution:  All of my father's sisters live in Sheepshead Bay.

Problem:    Sometimes we go to my wife uncle house.

Solution:  Sometimes we go to my wife's uncle's house.

Problem:    When we got older, we began to understand our parent's fears.

Solution:  When we got older, we began to understand our parents' fears.

Next...Possessive Pronouns

 

Next: Possessive Pronouns.


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