Possessive show who something belongs to
Possessives show ownership or a relationship between two things.
In English, we use an apostrophe (') and sometimes an -s to show who or what something belongs to.
There are three main rules: singular nouns, plural nouns and plural nouns not enging in -s.
1. Possessives with singular nouns
To show that a single person or thing (a person, animal, city or idea) and appleowns something, you add 's to the noun.
For example:
This is Anna’s book. (The book belongs to Anna)
My friend's pen. (A pen belonging to my friend)
This rule applies to singular nouns, even if they end in an -s, like a name.
Charles' book. (The book written by Charles.)
Some people just write Charles's book, but both arecorrect.
2. Possessives with plural nouns that end in -s
How you form the possessive depends on whether the plural noun ends in an -s.
Most plural nouns in English end in -s (e.g., friends, teachers, students). For these, you simply add an apostrophe (') after the -s. You do not add another -s.
Plural nouns ending in –s ➜ add only an apostrophe (’).
The students’ classroom is big. (The classroom for the students)
The students' opinions. (The opinions of the students.)
3. Possessives with plural nouns that do not end in -s
Some plural nouns are irregular and don't end in -s (e.g., children, men, women). For these, you treat them like a singular noun and add 's.
The children’s toys are everywhere. (The yoys belong to the children)
Women's rights. (The rights of women)
⚠️Common mistakes
Do not use apostrophes with possessive pronouns like hers, yours, theirs.
Use possessive forms for inanimate objects cautiously (e.g., the table’s leg sounds odd; prefer the leg of the table).
Its vs. it’s:
It’s = it is / it has (It’s cold today.)
Its = possession (The cat licked its paw.)
Don’t use an apostrophe to make something plural.
Apple’s ❌ ➜ Apples ✅
Singular and plural:
The girls’ shoes are in the hall. (plural: many girls)
The girl’s shoes are in the hall. (singular: one girl)
Exercise: Spot the mistakes and correct the sentences
The cats toy is broken.
My friends house is very big. (many friends)
Its a beautiful day, the sun is shining.
The boys room is messy. (many boys)
The mens room is closed today.
Womens shoes are expensive.
The cat’s toy is broken.
→ Singular: one cat.
My friends’ house is very big.
→ Plural: many friends.
It’s a beautiful day, the sun is shining.
→ It’s = it is
The boys’ room is messy.
→ Plural: many boys.
The men’s room is closed today.
→ Irregular plural: men → add ’s.
Women’s shoes are expensive.
→ Irregular plural: women → add ’s.
Apostrophes show possession or mark contractions.
Possession:
Singular: Add 's to singular nouns. The cat’s whiskers.
Plural: Add ' to plural nouns ending in -s. The cats’ whiskers.
Irregular plural: Add 's. The children’s toys.
Contractions:
Replace missing letters: It’s = It is, They’re = They are.
Common Errors:
Mixing possessive and plural forms: The dogs ball vs. The dogs’ ball.
Confusing its (possessive) with it’s (contraction).
Key Issues:
Misuse in contractions: Its raining today.
Possessive confusion: The teachers meeting is at noon.
Pedagogical Approach:
Teach: Illustrate the difference between contractions (it’s = it is) and possession (its = belongs to it).
Train: Mix sentences with missing/incorrect apostrophes for students to edit.
Example Exercise:
Instructions: Rewrite each sentence with the correct use of apostrophes.
The cats tail was fluffy.
It is a good idea to pack your umbrella because its raining.
We visited the childrens section at the library.
I dont think shes coming to the meeting.
Explanation:
"Your" is a possessive pronoun indicating ownership (Your book is on the table).
"You're" is a contraction of "you are" (You're late!).
"Its" is a possessive pronoun for singular nouns that don't end in "s" (The cat chased its tail).
"It's" is a contraction of "it is" (It's a beautiful day).
Examples:
Incorrect: Your late for class. (contraction)
Correct: You're late for class.
Incorrect: The dog chased it's tail. (possessive for plural noun)
Correct: The dogs chased their tails. (possessive plural)
Spot the Errors Exercises: Apostrophes
Instructions: Correct the errors with apostrophes.
The teachers lounge is next to the principals office.
Its important to check your answers before submitting.
The childrens playground was recently renovated.
Shes been working on her project for two weeks.