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Section 4.4 Possessive Nouns and Pronouns
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Section 4.4 Possessive Nouns and Pronouns
Possessive Nouns and Pronouns: Rule #1
Posessive Nouns and Pronouns
Possessive Nouns and Pronouns: Rule #2
• The first step in using possessive forms correctly is to recognize when a noun shows possession.
• When used with a noun, the apostrophe is the symbol of possession.
Examples: One woman’s briefcase
several employees’ records
Katherine’s promotion
1. Add an apostrophe plus ‘s’ to a noun that does not end with an s:
One woman’s suggestion developed into a new product.
Five women’s handbags were turned in to the police.
Add only the apostrophe to a plural noun that ends with an s:
The Smiths’ franchise is in Tampa, Florida.
Several clients’ contracts expire on December 31 of this year.
Joint Ownership
When two or more owners possess something jointly, place the apostrophe on the last owner’s name.
Jack and Dorothy’s original bid was for $25,000.
New York and New Jersey’s plan to clean the Hudson River will begin on April 11.
Separate Ownership
When two or more owners possess things individually or separately, place the apostrophe on the name of each owner.
Jack’s and Dorothy’s assistants are experienced auditors.
New York’s and New Jersey’s governors were fully supportive of the plan.
Possessive Nouns and Pronouns: Rule Number 3B
Possessive Nouns and Pronouns: Rule Number 3A
Possessive Nouns – Special Uses
Add only the apostrophe to a singular noun ending in s if the possessive form is not pronounced with an additional syllable. If it sounds awkward with an extra syllable, then don’t do it.
Of course, we checked to make sure that it was Ms. Saunders’ signature.
The pronunciation of Saunders’s would be awkward.
Complete: p. 105-106 Editing Practice 1 and 2
Add either an apostrophe plus s (‘s) or an apostrophe to a singular noun that ends in an s:
A: Add an apostrophe plus s (‘s) to a singular noun ending in an s if the word that is formed is pronounced with an additional syllable.
His boss’s solution was to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer.
Boss has one syllable. Boss’s has two syllables.
One actress’s script did not have the revised pages.
Actress has two syllables. Actress’s has three syllables.
Compound Nouns
Form the possessive of a compound noun on the last word of the compound.
My editor in chief’s budget
Both homeowners’ policies
My brother-in-law’s new business