RULE # 1To show possession of singular nouns add 's.Examples:

Egg = egg’s shellMug = mug’s handle

RULE # 2To show possession of plural nouns ending in s

add an apostrophe (').Examples:

Piglets = piglets’ mother Indians = Indians’ home Settlers = settlers’ worry

RULE # 3To show the possession of a plural noun not

ending in s add 's.Examples:

oxen = oxen’s yoke feet = feet’s blisters

RULE # 4If there is joint possession, use the

correct possessive for only the possessive closest to the noun

Example:

Julie and Nathan's friendship grew. Dad was worried about his son and daughter's

safety

RULE # 5 If there is a separate possession of the

same noun, use the correct possessive form for each word

Example: The Indians’ and the settlers’ excuses were

equally false

The fiddlers' and the singers' families went to the fiddler contest

RULE # 6 In a compound construction, use the

correct possessive form for the word closest to the noun. Avoid possessives with compound plurals.

Example: His father-in-law’s home was made of red

bricks.

The Indian scout’s job was to move the Native Americans to the reservation.