rules for apostrophes (possessive). possession: the simple facts the tool kit couldn’t be simpler....
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Rules for Apostrophes(Possessive)
Possession: The Simple FactsThe tool kit couldn’t be simpler. All you
need to make almost any word possessive is an apostrophe and the letter s. You add both of them together (‘s) or just the apostrophe alone, depending on the circumstances.
Exceptions to the rules Jesus’ parables Moses’ tablets Achilles’ heel
Joint Ownership These are Lenny and Harold’s props. (The
props belong to both Lenny and Harold.) These are Lenny’s and Harold’s props.
(Both Lenny and Harold have their own props.)
Lenny and Harold hands are freezing!
Adam and Debbie marriage is super.
Tony and Tina teeth are yellow.
Possession: The Simple Facts1. If the word is singular, always add ‘s.
The waiter spilled red wine on Demi’s dress, which came from Kansas’s finest shop.
The dress’s skirt, which resembled a tutu from one of Degas’s paintings, was ruined.
Bruce’s attitude was philosophical because he had been reading Camus’s essays.
Possession: The Simple Facts2. If the word is plural and doesn’t already
end in s, add ‘s: The children’s menu was a rip-off, and
the men’s room was painted fuchsia.
Possession: The Simple Facts3. If the word is plural and ends in s, add
just the apostrophe: The Willises’ car was stolen by the
valet parking attendant. The cops’ attitude was cruel. The victims’ evening was now
demolished.
Type of word
Example ending in an “s”
Example not ending in an “s”
Singular dress DemiPlural cops children
This is CONFUSING!! Mr. and Mrs. Jones have a new car. The Joneses have a new car. Mr. Jones’s car is new. The Joneses’ car is new.
One person
More than one person
Plural Possessive
Possession: The Simple Facts4. The comma or period goes after the
apostrophe: The idea was the girls’, or maybe the
boys’, but at any rate the responsibility was their parents’.
Possession: The Simple Facts5. If the name ends in s adds es’ Willis Willises’
6. For a name that doesn’t end is an s, add s’
Babbit Babbits’
Apostrophe: The Simple Facts7. Add ‘s to make plurals of numbers and
letters, including abbreviations: Libby, the daughter of two CPA’s, was
born in the 1940’s, and earned all B’s at Swarthmore.
Practice This hollow tree is an owl home. Preserving history is Prince Charles
personal crusade. All of the boxes contents are leaking
out. The actors rights were spelled out in
their contracts. Has everyone test been graded?