POSSESSIVE NOUNS- THE RULES

Question 1

RULE 1

Answer 1

If the noun is SINGULAR, and does not end in s, use the apostrophe after the noun.

Example: man’s

Question 2

RULE 2

Answer 2

When the noun is singular and it ends with “s”, use the apostrophe alone, after the final “s”.

Example: Charles’

Question 3

RULE 3

Answer 3

When the noun is plural and it ends in “s”, use the apostrophe alone, after the final “s”.

Question 4

RULE 4

Answer 4

When the noun is plural, but it does not end in “s”, use the apostrophe at the end.

Example:
The children’s lunches are ready.

Question 5

RULE 5

Answer 5

When the noun is singular, use the apostrophes (‘s) at the end of the nouns.

Example:
sister-in-law’s
god mother’s
passer-by’s

Question 6

RULE 6

Answer 6

When the compound noun is plural, still use the apostrophe’s at the end of the noun.

Example:
brother-in-law’s
uncle-in law’s

Question 7

RULE 7

Answer 7

Where there are double possessive nouns in a sentence, use the apostrophe as follows:-

Example 1
Singular - A hen’s egg is usually smaller than a duck’s egg.

Plural- Hens eggs are usually smaller than ducks’ eggs.

Question 8

RULE 8

Answer 8

When we have two or more nouns to show possession in a sentence, the apostrophe must be used with the last noun.

Example:
Sarah and Mark’s sister is on a team.
The dog, the cat, and the bird’s cage need to be cleaned.

Question 9

RULE 9

Answer 9

For units of measure, such as minutes, hours, years, months, kilograms, etc,, use the apostrophe’s or “s apostrophe” as follows:-

SINGULAR
Next week’s lessons will begin earlier.
Sam still had an hour;s work

PLURAL
He had to be given five days’.
Matthew brought twenty dollars’ worth of apples.