When Not to Use Possessive 's' in English Grammar
Learn when to avoid using the possessive 's' with plural nouns and inanimate objects in English grammar.
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Avoid using a possessive 's with plural nouns that already end in 's' (e.g., students' books) and with inanimate objects where possession might seem awkward (e.g., the door of the car instead of the car's door). Additionally, proper nouns ending in 's' can omit the extra 's' (e.g., Jesus' teachings).
FAQs & Answers
- How do you form the possessive of a proper noun ending in 's'? Typically, you can either add 's or just an apostrophe, depending on the style guide you are following.
- What are common examples of using possessive 's'? Common examples include 'John's book,' 'the dog's leash,' and 'the manager's decision.'
- Can inanimate objects have possessive forms? Yes, but it is often better to use a phrase like 'the roof of the house' instead of 'the house's roof' for clarity.
- What are the rules for using possessive nouns with plural forms? For plural nouns that end in 's,' you usually just add an apostrophe, as in 'students' books.'