What is a possessive noun? A possessive noun is a noun that names who or what owns or has possession of something.

In most cases, for singular nouns to show that possession, we add an apostrophe + s. For plural nouns we simply add an apostrophe except for those few plural nouns that do not end in s.

Possessive Nouns Examples:

• The cars front seat
• Bartkowskis book
• Babies shoes
• Lemons acidity
• Owls eyes

Possessive Nouns | Forming Rules

When creating the possessive form of nouns, there are 5 simple rules as follows:

Making singular nouns possessive

If a singular noun, add s.

• The girls hands were chapped by the cold.
• The cats toy was missing.

Even if the singular noun is a proper noun (i.e. a name), add s.

• Richards attempts to solve the problem were rewarded.

If names ending in s, you can either add an apostrophe + s, or just an apostrophe. The first option is more common. When pronouncing a possessive name, we add the sound /z/ to the end of the name.

• Charless car (or Charles car)
• Chamberss house (or Chambers house)
• Chriss exam (or Chris exam)

Making plural nouns possessive

If a noun is plural in form and ends in an s, add an apostrophe only.

• The tables legs were all wobbly and needed repair.
• Cherries stones can break your teeth if you are not careful.
• People are prepared to pay high prices for designers clothes.

If a plural noun does not end in s, add s.

• The childrens clothes were brand new.
• The prices of mens shoes run from ￡30 to ￡90.

Indicating possession when two nouns are joined together

If there is joint possession, use the correct possessive for only the possessive closest to the noun.

• Clinton and Gores campaign was successful.
• I didnt come to Mr. and Mrs. Smiths wedding.
• Carol and Susan s car is out of gasoline.

Indicating possession when two nouns are joined, and ownership is separate

If there is a separate possession of the same noun, use the correct possessive form for each word.

• Susans and Beths books are full of useful information.
• The cars and the bicycles owners could speak French perfectly.

Making hyphenated or compound nouns possessive

With hyphenated or compound nouns, use the correct possessive form for the word closest to the noun. Avoid possessives with compound plurals.

• My daughter-in-laws gift is a diamond necklace.
• The English teachers method is very effective.
• Your neighborhood letter carriers job is more difficult than you imagine.

Singular & Plural Possessive Nouns | Images

Learn how to form Possessive Nouns in English with useful grammar rules and examples.