The Elements of Style Flashcards
What is the exception to adding ‘s to form the possessive singular of a noun?
Exceptions are the possessive of ancient proper names in -es and -is, the possessive Jesus’, and such forms as for conscience’ sake, for righteousness’ sake. But such forms as Achilles’ heel, Moses’ laws, Isis’ temple are commonly replaced by
the heel of Achilles
the laws of Moses
the temple of Isis
The pronominal possessives hers, its, theirs, yours, and oneself have no apostrophe.
How do you form the possessive singular of a noun?
“Form the possessive singular of nouns by adding ‘s.
Follow this rule whatever the final consonant. Thus write,
Charles’s friend
Burns’s poems
the witch’s malice”
What is a noun?
Nouns are people, places, and things. They tell us who or what we are talking about. The words cat, Jack, rock, Africa, & it are nouns.
