How to Show Possession
When a noun belongs to another noun, use an apostrophe to show possession. There are different rules for possession depending on whether the noun is singular or plural.
Possession for singular nouns
Add an apostrophe and the letter s (’s) to indicate possession in a singular noun.
- Example: The coat belongs to the girl – the girl’s coat
- Example: The shoes belong to Kelly – Kelly’s shoes
Add an apostrophe and the letter s (’s) even when a singular noun ends in s.
- Example: The car belongs to Charles – Charles’s car
- Example: The house belongs to Bill Jones – Bill Jones’s house
Note: Instructors and style guides sometimes accept the use of an apostrophe without an s when a singular noun ends in s (Charles’ car, Bill Jones’ house). However, this style choice is not always accepted, so it is safer to use an apostrophe and an s for all singular nouns.
Possession for plural nouns
If a plural noun does not end in an s, add an apostrophe and the letter s (’s).
- Example: The rights of women – women’s rights
- Example: The department for children – children’s department
If a plural noun ends in an s, add an apostrophe but do not add the letter s.
- Example: The coat belongs to the girls – the girls’ coats
- Example: The house belongs to the Smiths – the Smiths’ house
