Add ‘s to singular nouns, as in the boy’s bike, and add only the apostrophe to plurals already ending in -s, as in the students’ books. Irregular plurals add ‘s just like the singular, as in the children’s toys.
Grammar Rule
Singular nouns add ‘s, plurals ending in -s add only the apostrophe, and irregular plurals add ‘s just like the singular.
Possessive ‘s and s’: Rules and Examples
| Noun type | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Singular | add ‘s | This is the boy’s bike. My sister’s car is red. |
| Plural ending in -s | add apostrophe only | These are the students’ books. This is my parents’ house. |
| Irregular plural | add ‘s | The children’s toys are on the floor. |
Remember: singular + ‘s, plural ending in -s + apostrophe only, irregular plural + ‘s.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below forming the correct possessive with ‘s or s’. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Possessives – 's and s' (Singular and Plural Consolidation)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you form the possessive of a singular noun?
Add ‘s to the noun, as in this is the boy’s bike or my sister’s car is red.
How do you form the possessive of a regular plural noun?
Add only the apostrophe after the -s, as in these are the students’ books.
How do you form the possessive of an irregular plural noun?
Add ‘s just like a singular noun, as in the children’s toys are on the floor, because children is already plural without an -s.
Where does the apostrophe go with a plural ending in -s?
The apostrophe goes after the final -s, as in my parents’ house, without adding another s.