Possessive Apostrophe

We use the apostrophe to show possession.

Singular Possessive Nouns

To give a singular noun ownership, we add an apostrophe and an s ('s). The noun then becomes a singular possessive noun, as in the examples below.

In a compound noun, possession is formed by adding 's to the last word.

When more than one noun shares possession, we add 's to the last noun as in the examples below.

Ann, Yoli, and Sara's volleyball game
Maristela, Opal, and Sybil's drama presentation

When the nouns each possess something separately, we add 's to each noun.

John's and Tom's signatures
Christie's and Bob's jackets

Example 1

Use 's to make each singular noun possessive.

1. Danny
2. James
3. sister-in-law
4. fox
5. Lisa and Daniel (daughter)
6. buddy
7. Uncle Morris
8. boss
9. Yin, Kim, and Kari (group project)
10. Silas
11. albatross
12. Lum, Levi, and Tim (jazz band)

Solutions

1. Danny's
2. James's
3. sister-in-law's
4. fox's
5. Lisa and Daniel's daughter
6. buddy's
7. Uncle Morris's
8. boss's
9. Yin, Kim, and Kari's group project
10. Silas's
11. albatross's
12. Lum, Levi, and Tim's jazz band

Plural Possessive Nouns

To give a regular plural noun ownership, we add only the possessive apostrophe. The noun then becomes a plural possessive noun, as in the examples below.

In a plural compound noun, possession is formed by adding 's to the last word.

editors in chief's opinions
brothers-in-law's hobbies

Irregular Plurals

To give an irregular plural noun ownership, add 's.

Many people make errors when forming plural possessive nouns. To avoid this, form the plural noun first. Then apply the guidelines above to add the possessive apostrophe.

Remember that in a compound word, possession is formed by adding 's to the last word.

physicians-on-call's calendar

Example 2

Use the possessive apostrophe to form a plural possessive noun from each plural noun.

Solutions