When to Use 's vs s' s? Understanding Apostrophes in Possession and Plurals
Learn when to use 's and s' in writing for possession and plurality in this concise guide.
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Use 's to form the plural of regular nouns, such as in cats or books. To indicate possession for a noun that ends in S, you usually add an 's (e.g., James's book). However, for plural nouns already ending in s, simply add an apostrophe at the end (e.g., the teachers' lounge). The context—either showing plurality or possession—will guide you in choosing the correct form.
FAQs & Answers
- What is the difference between plural and possessive? Plural indicates more than one (e.g., cats), while possessive shows ownership (e.g., the cat's toy).
- How do I use apostrophes correctly? Add 's for singular nouns to show possession and ' for plural nouns already ending in s.
- Can you give examples of using s and s'? Sure! 'James's book' shows possession, while 'the teachers' lounge' indicates possession for a plural noun.
- Why is it important to use apostrophes correctly? Correct usage helps avoid confusion and enhances clarity in writing.