Language e-Link Ten:
Using Apostrophes to Show Possession

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Possession Tips:

Possession means "belonging to" or "being owned by."

To show that something belongs to something else, or to show possession, use an apostrophe.


Apostrophe Tips:

Add ’s to form the possessive—or show ownership—of a singular noun.

Add 's to form the possessive—or show ownership—of a plural noun that does not end in s.

Add only the appostrophe to form the possessive of a plural noun already ending in s.

Do not use an apostrophe with the pronouns his, hers, its, ours, yours, theirs, whose, or with plural nouns that are not possessive.


Directions: Study the table below. It shows different ways to make words possessive.
Possessive for Singular
Noun		 The computer’s plastic cover was invented by Leo Baekeland.
Possessive for Plural
Noun Not Ending in s		 The staff’s computers are being serviced.

Possessive for Noun
Ending in s		 Five of the computers’ new monitors were stolen.
Possessive Pronouns His computer is newer than hers.



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