Possessive nouns
The possessive (or “genitive”) case of regular singular nouns is formed by adding –‘s (an apostrophe followed by an s).
Examples:
- Jim’s (as in Jim’s foot)
- Mum’s (as in Mum’s car)
- horse’s (as in the horse’s mouth)
When a regular plural noun already ends in –s, you form the possessive by adding an apostrophe.
Examples:
- the chickens’ food
- the girls’ bikes
- teachers’ desks
When an irregular plural noun doesn’t end in –s, you form the possessive by adding –‘s.
Examples:
- the children’s books
- the men’s hats
- the sheep’s fleeces
In the past, writers almost always formed the possessive case of singular nouns ending in –s by adding an apostrophe.
Examples:
- the princess’ dress
- Thomas’ nose
- James’ magazine
In modern English it is usually acceptable in most cases for you to add ‘s.
Examples:
- the princess’s dress
- Thomas’s nose
- James’s magazine
When possession involves a group of two or more nouns, it is only necessary for you to use the possessive form for the last in the list.
Examples:
- Mum and Dad’s money
- Jane, Mary and Ann’s flat
The possessive case is also used for certain measurements or quantities.
Examples:
- in a month’s time
- a three hours’ journey (a three-hour journey is also acceptable)
- a thousand pounds’ worth
