Possessive Nouns
Showing ownership with 's and of: John's book, the leg of the table
When to Use Possessive Nouns
- •'s for people and animals: John's car, the dog's tail.
- •'s for time expressions: today's news, a week's holiday.
- •Of for things/objects: the leg of the table, the end of the road.
- •Either for organizations: the company's policy / the policy of the company.
- •Double possessive: a friend of John's, that idea of yours.
How to Form Possessive Nouns
Affirmative (+)
Singular: noun + 's. Plural ending in s: noun + '. Plural not ending in s: noun + 's
Negative (-)
Same rules apply
Question (?)
Whose book is this? (possessive question)
💡 Names ending in s: James's or James' (both acceptable).
Examples of Possessive Nouns
✓The children's toys are everywhere.
✗The childrens toys are everywhere.
Irregular plural + 's.
✓The roof of the house needs repair.
✗The house's roof needs repair.
Of is preferred for things (though 's is sometimes used).
✓I met a colleague of Sarah's.
✗I met a colleague of Sarah.
Double possessive with a/an.
Common Mistakes with Possessive Nouns
💡 Practice Tips for Possessive Nouns
- • People/animals: use 's (Mary's, the cat's).
- • Things: prefer of (the top of the mountain).
- • Time: use 's (yesterday's meeting, two weeks' notice).
- • Plural ending in s: just add ' (the teachers' room).
Quick Quiz
Grammar sorted. Now grow your vocabulary.