Possessive Nouns
Table of Contents
Possessive Nouns – Exercises
These exercises focus on possessive nouns.
Explanation
1. Singular Nouns
For singular nouns, add ’s.
|
Noun |
Possessive |
Example |
|
Mark |
Mark’s |
This is Mark’s bike. |
|
the teacher |
teacher’s |
The teacher’s desk is near the window. |
|
the bird |
bird’s |
The bird’s nest is in the tree. |
Examples in sentences:
-
That is Anna’s notebook.
-
The baby’s toy is on the floor.
2. Plural Nouns Ending in -s
If a noun is plural and ends in -s, add only ’.
|
Noun |
Possessive |
Example |
|
students |
students’ |
The students’ project is finished. |
|
players |
players’ |
The players’ locker room is upstairs. |
|
teachers |
teachers’ |
The teachers’ meeting starts at 3. |
Examples:
-
The girls’ team won the game.
-
The drivers’ cars are outside.
3. Irregular Plural Nouns
Some plural nouns do not end in -s. For these nouns, add ’s.
|
Noun |
Possessive |
Example |
|
children |
children’s |
The children’s playground is new. |
|
men |
men’s |
The men’s jackets are blue. |
|
women |
women’s |
The women’s club meets today. |
Examples:
-
The children’s drawings are on the wall.
-
The men’s shoes are near the door.
Possessive vs Plural
Be careful! Plural nouns and possessive nouns are different.
|
Form |
Example |
Meaning |
|
plural |
The teachers are busy. |
more than one teacher |
|
possessive |
The teacher’s bag is here. |
bag of one teacher |
|
plural possessive |
The teachers’ bags are here. |
bags of many teachers |
Using Possessive Nouns in Sentences
Examples:
-
This is Daniel’s laptop.
-
My friend’s house is very big.
-
The students’ books are on the table.
Sometimes we do not repeat the noun.
Example:
-
Is this Julia’s jacket?
-
No, it’s Tom’s.
Common Mistakes
Incorrect: The cats tail is long.
Correct: The cat’s tail is long.
Incorrect: The boys’s room is messy.
Correct: The boys’ room is messy.
Incorrect: I have three dog’s.
Correct: I have three dogs.
Remember: Use ’s or ’ to show that something belongs to someone or something.
