When it comes to indicating possession with plural nouns, there are a few rules to keep in mind. Plural possession often involves adding an apostrophe after the ‘s’ at the end of the word, but there are also some exceptions to this rule.
Understanding how to correctly show plural possession is important for clear and effective communication in writing. By following the guidelines below, you can ensure that your writing is grammatically correct and easy to understand.
One common way to show plural possession is by adding an apostrophe after the ‘s’ at the end of a plural noun. For example, if you are talking about a group of friends who own a car, you would write “the friends’ car” to indicate that the car belongs to the friends collectively.
Another way to show plural possession is by adding an apostrophe before the ‘s’ at the end of a plural noun that does not end in ‘s’. For example, if you are talking about a group of children who own a toy, you would write “the children’s toy” to indicate that the toy belongs to the children.
When a plural noun already ends in ‘s’, you can choose to either add an apostrophe after the ‘s’ or add an apostrophe before the ‘s’. Both are considered correct, so it is up to personal preference. For example, you could write “the students’ desks” or “the students’s desks” to indicate that the desks belong to the students.
In some cases, when showing plural possession with a proper noun that is already plural, you only need to add an apostrophe after the ‘s’. For example, if you are talking about a family named the Smiths who own a house, you would write “the Smiths’ house” to indicate that the house belongs to the Smith family.
In conclusion, understanding how to show plural possession is essential for effective writing. By following the rules outlined above, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and grammatically correct. Whether you are writing a formal essay, a business report, or a casual email, mastering plural possession will help you communicate your ideas accurately.