Possessive nouns

What are possessive nouns? 

Possessives show ownership

They show something belongs to someone or something. 

We usually use ‘s for people. 

For example, if we want to say that a bag belongs to a woman, it would be stated: 

the woman’s bag

2 COMMON RULES TO MAKE POSSESSIVES

RULE 1

To form the possessive of a singular noun, add an apostrophe and s (‘s) 

boy = boy’s 

For example,

The lady owns the chair. 

= The lady’s chair. 

The belt belongs to the man. 

= The man’s belt. 

Frank owns the boat. 

= Frank’s boat. 

This computer belongs to Jana. 

= Jana’s computer. 

RULE 2

For a plural noun ending in s, add only an apostrophe (‘)

boys = boys’ (not boys’s) 

For example,

The ladies own a shop. 

= The ladies’ shop. 

One ring belongs to two girls. 

= The girls’ ring.  

Two bikes belong to four boys. 

= The boys’ bikes. 

One house belongs to the siblings. 

= The siblings’ house.  

You can use of… for things, places, etc. 

For example

The window of our house is made from glass. (not our house’s window) 

You can in the back of the car. (not the car’s back)

Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. (not Israel’s capital.)