Possessive Nouns
A possessive noun shows who or what owns a thing or a quality.
· To form the possessive of a singular noun, add an apostrophe and an –s.
“The Californian’s Tale” is a bittersweet story of undying love.
I didn’t realize that the man’s wife was only nineteen.
· To form the possessive of a noun that ends in –s, simply add an apostrophe. However, the new rule allows you to add ’s if you would say the term with the added “s” sound. It is acceptable to leave it off, though.
The animals’ cages were just recently cleaned.
Chris’s house is at the end of the block.
Or
Chris’ house is at the end of the block.
· To form the possessive of a plural noun that does not end in –s, add an apostrophe and an –s.
Women’s touches made the cottages friendly and warm.
· In cases of joint ownership, only the last name mentioned takes the possessive form. Add an apostrophe or an apostrophe and an –s, depending on the spelling of the name.
Henry and his wife’s life together was a happy one. (The life was shared by Henry and his wife.)
· If the names of two or more persons (or animals) are used to show separate ownership, each name is given the possessive form.
Henry’s and his friends’ perceptions of reality differ greatly. (Henry’s perceptions are different from those of his friends.)