Apostrophe To Show Possession: Rules and Usage

Apostrophe To Show Possession: In the world of English grammar, punctuation marks play a crucial role in conveying meaning accurately. Among them, the humble apostrophe holds a special place, especially when it comes to indicating possession. Mastering the apostrophe’s usage can elevate your writing from merely correct to polished and professional. Let us learn about the rules, usage, and examples of apostrophes to show possession.

Also Read: Colon Punctuation Examples with Uses in English Grammar

Apostrophe to Show Possession

The apostrophe is used to show the possession that you are having. It displays that you are the owner of the thing or have possession of it.  Apostrophes (‘) used with the letters at the end of a noun to indicate possession of or a close relationship to another noun are known as possessive apostrophes. If you were discussing your uncle’s house, for instance, you could indicate which noun is the owner by using a possessive apostrophe and a ‘s’ as punctuation.

An Apostrophe is a part of a word that shows contractions, deleted letters, and possessive cases. The errors in Apostrophes occur when you are confused between the plural and the possessive forms. They are used for forming the possessive form of the singular or the plural noun not closing in with ‘s’  but by adding ‘ and an s at the end.

Rules	Examples
If there is a plural noun that ends in s, only ‘ needs to be added.	Graduation students’ are playing in the garden.
If possession of something is shared, use ‘s after the second person	Tom and Sam’s car.
If possession of something is unrelated, use ‘s after each person.	Tom’s and Sam’s car.

Also Read: Direct Speech Punctuation: Learn Rules of Usage with Examples

Uses of Apostrophe to Show Possession

Before we dive into the technicalities of apostrophes, it is essential to understand what possession means in grammar. Possession denotes ownership or association between two entities. In English, possession can be expressed in various ways, but one common method is through the use of apostrophes.

Singular and Plural Nouns

Add “s” and an apostrophe for making a singular noun that is not going to end in “s” possessive.

For Example: The dog’s master loves his dog.

For making a plural noun that will not end with “s” possessive, add “s” and an apostrophe.

For Example: The men’s shop is closed for repairs. 

Nouns that end in ‘s’

The apostrophe and an “s” are added to form a singular noun that ends in “s” possessive.

For Example: John’s life inspired Luke’s famous poem, “The Alien.”

If a singular noun ends with an “s” and includes another “s” anywhere else in the noun, the apostrophe should be added to make the noun possessive.

For Example: Jesus’ birth in a stable shows the close connection between man

and nature.

Only add an apostrophe to make the plural noun that ends in “s” possessive.

The bird’s catcher loves his birds.

Compound Words 

Apostrophe and an “s” should be added to the last word only to make the compound words possessive. The same case exists for the group of words as well. 

For Example:

Singular	The principal of the school’s decision was final.
Plural	His brother’s children are very much naughty.

Joint and Separate Possession

Add an apostrophe and “s” after every possessive noun to make two nouns indicate separate possession. The apostrophe should be added to the second person’s name to make two nouns indicate a joint possession.

For Example: 

Separate Possession	Tim’s and Jane’s cars are working well.
Join Possession	Logan’s and Mike’s guitar broke down last week.

Plural in Time and Money

Possession Rules are applied for singular and plural nouns to make the units of time and money plural.

For Example:

Singular	An hour’s work, the Euro’s value, a day’s salary
Plural	Two days’ salary, Two hours’ work, Five dollars’ value.

Plural Words

An apostrophe and “s” should be added to make the used words Plural.

For Example: Sandy completed the work with no and’s, if’s, or but’s

The apostrophes should not be used for making acronyms or numbers plural.

Incorrect	Correct
1980’s	1980s
5 VIP’s	5 VIPs

Indicating Omissions

The Apostrophe is used in the place of the letters that are omitted. It usually comes in place of the letters such as “o” and “n”.

Without Apostrophe	With Apostrophe
He cannot find his notebook	He can’t find his notebook.
She is not working here.	She isn’t working here.

Also Read: Punctuation for Class 2: Types, Examples, and Worksheets

Apostrophe To Show Possession: Examples

The Apostrophe is one of the commonly used symbols that are used in sentences. They are used to show omitted letters, make a plural number, and show possession. For a better understanding of Apostrophes let’s look at some of its examples.

Apostrophe To Show Possession: Worksheet

Read the following sentences and put the apostrophe wherever possible.

1. Johns Ford EcoSport is his proudest possession.
2. They believe in ones and twos while batting. 
3. Theyre afraid of going to the dark.
4. Little boys clothes are on the third floor.
5. Didnt you know how to do it?

Answers:

1. John’s Ford EcoSport is his proudest possession.
2. They believe in ones and twos while batting. 
3. They’re afraid of going to the dark.
4. The little boy’s clothes are on the third floor.
5. Didn’t you know how to do it?

FAQs

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