Possessive Nouns

Possessive nouns are used to indicate ownership.

Possessive nouns usually are formed by adding an apostrophe (') and s.

• John's book
• Kerry's car
• Grandma's mirror

When a noun is plural and ends in s, just add an apostrophe (').

• The kids' toys
• My parents' house
• The teachers' lounge

If two people own one thing, add the apostrophe and s to the second person only.

• John and Mary's new house
• David and Sue's wedding
• Tom and Doug's car

If two people own separate things, add the apostrophe and s for each person.

• Susan's and Beth's books
• Jean's and Dan's pants
• Ben's and Jim's offices

[Quiz 3.1]

Which of the following is not correct?

1)Dr. Hunts has a new computer.
2)Dr. Hunts's new computer is working well.
3)Dr. Hunts' computer is new.






Answers

Both 2 and 3 are the correct answers. In your writing, you should be consistent. If you choose to leave the final 's' out, then leave it out throughout your writing.