Apostrophe Use: Possessive Case Of Nouns

With the addition of ‘s (or sometimes just the apostrophe), a noun can change from a plain old person, place or thing to a person, place or thing that owns something.

If the noun doesn’t end with an s, add ‘s to the end of the noun.

This is Mary and a dog. The dog is Mary’s; Mary is not the dog’s.

This thick blind is capable of shutting out the summer sun’s heat and light.

This is the way to the men’s room.

She got a job in the children’s section of the library.

If the noun ends with an s, add just the apostrophe to the end of the noun.

This is the boys’ bedroom.

My parents’ house is a lovely old one.

Where is Jess’ book bag?

The scissors’ handles just snapped off.

If you have a compound noun, change only the last one to the possessive.

Mike and Amanda’s new loft apartment is really neat.

Please tell Annie and Mary’s mother that they’ll be late getting home from school.

If the possessor is a building, an object, or a piece of furniture, then you don’t need to add an apostrophe to show possession.

The maid cleaned the hotel’s room.

The hotel’s room – the hotel room

The office’s lobby – the office lobby

The shoe’s lace – the shoe lace

The car’s door – the car door

The table’s top – the table top

The chair’s leg – the chair leg