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Tag: Possessives

Tag: Possessives

11 articles. Page 1 of 2

Possessives of Plural NamesPossessives of Plural Names

Form the possessive of a plural name by placing an apostrophe after the “s” that makes the plural, as you would for any other plural noun.

You’re vs. Your: How to Use CorrectlyYour or You're?

“You’re” is the contraction of “you are,” while “your” is the possessive form of “you.” Don’t use “your” to mean “you are.”

Happy New Year: How to Write CorrectlyHappy New Year

The greeting is “Happy New Year,” not “Happy New Years” or “Happy New Year’s.” It contains a singular noun (“year”) and requires no apostrophe.

Apostrophe and “S” in Indigenous Peoples’ DayHow to Write Indigenous Peoples' Day

“Indigenous Peoples’ Day” may be written with or without the apostrophe, depending on the style you follow.

Apostrophe in Mother’s Day and Father’s DayApostrophe in Mother's Day

Place an apostrophe before “s” in Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Also capitalize the two words that make up the name of the holiday.

Apostrophes in Names of HolidaysApostrophes in Names of Holidays

Use an apostrophe with possessive nouns (New Year’s Day, Mother’s Day, Presidents’ Day) but not with descriptive terms (Christmas Eve, Human Rights Day).

Who’s or Whose? Correct Use of the ApostropheWho's or Whose?

“Who’s” is the contraction of “who is” or “who has,” while “whose” is the possessive form of “who.”

Charles’ or Charles’s? Harris’ or Harris’s? Possessives of Names Ending in SPossessives of Names Ending in “S”

Form the possessive of a name ending in “s” by adding either an apostrophe and another “s” or just an apostrophe. The possessive of a plural name takes an apostrophe after the final “s.”

What Is a Possessive? Types of PossessivesPossessives

Possessives are nouns and pronouns that indicate a relationship of ownership or possession (“the girl’s bicycle,” “the girls’ bicycles,” “the alumni’s families,” “the Joneses’ cats”). Some determiners (“my,” “your,” “her”) and pronouns (“mine,” “yours,” “hers”) are also possessives.

When to Use an ApostropheApostrophe

Use an apostrophe to indicate possession (“the woman’s hat”) or the omission of letters (“wouldn’t”, “singin’”). Only rarely is an apostrophe used to form a plural (“p’s and q’s”).

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