Possessive Nouns

When something belongs to a person or a thing, we often add an apostrophe (’), with or without an “s”, to the word for that person or thing (a noun).

One owner

If one person or thing owns something, add ’s.

• This is Lina’s backpack.
• The dog’s bowl is empty.
• We visited France’s capital last summer.

More than one owner

If the plural word (more than one) already ends in “s,” just add an apostrophe after the “s.”

• The teachers’ lounge is on the second floor.
• All the cars’ windows were open.

If the plural doesn’t end in “s,” like “children” or “men,” use ’s:

• The children’s toys are everywhere.
• The men’s jackets are hanging by the door.

What about names that end in “s”?

This depends on style. Some people write:

• That’s Lucas’ phone. (just the apostrophe)

Others prefer:

• That’s Lucas’s phone. (apostrophe + s)

Both are correct. Choose one style and use it every time.