Possessives with Plural NounsMini-Lesson #92

UWF Writing Lab’s 101 Grammar Mini-Lessons Series

Ownership or connection is indicated by adding an apostrophe and -s to plural nouns not ending in -s (women’s health issues) and adding an apostrophe only to plural nouns ending in -s (ladies’ shoes).

Do not, however, use apostrophes to make nouns plural (keeping up with the Joneses, not keeping up with the Joneses’; Rainy days and Mondays always get me down, not Rainy days and Monday’s always get me down).

Plural nouns not ending in –s:

men’s basketball team

the media’s report

people’s rights

children’s books

Plural nouns ending in -s:

instructors’ grades

my parents’ wedding anniversary

two cents’ worth

the Beatles’ first hit

three experts’ opinions

students’ rights

Plural nouns:

The Kennedys

Keeping up with the Joneses

Closed on Saturdays and Sundays

two Kimberlys in my classroom

The Simpsons

faxes, emails, and text messages

two hot Julys

Let’s Practice!Add an apostrophe where it is needed.

Universities are closed on Presidents Day and Veterans Day.

Universities are closed on Presidents’ Day and Veterans’ Day.

Her essay examines the significance of the childrens shoes.

Her essay examines the significance of the children’s shoes.

More!

The survey indicates that her students grades have been consistently low.

The survey indicates that her students’ grades have been consistently low.

You must give two weeks notice before quitting.

You must give two weeks’ notice before quitting.