Possessive Apostrophe: Rules, Explanations, and Examples

A possessive apostrophe shows ownership or possession. For example, in “Tom’s car,” the car belongs to Tom.
When a singular noun ends in “s,” both forms with ’s or just ’ are acceptable.

There are additional rules to using the possessive apostrophe correctly.

Possessive Apostrophe: Rules and Examples

It’s worth reiterating that the guidelines below are not always clear-cut. Sometimes, different experts and guidelines recommend different usage when it comes to the possessive apostrophe after an “S.”

Possessive Apostrophes and Singular Nouns

Forming possessive singular nouns to words that don’t end in “S” is pretty straightforward: All you have to do is add an apostrophe + “S”. This is true of both common and proper nouns.

If the singular noun ends in “S”, it is usually recommended to add an apostrophe + “S,” whether it’s a common or proper noun.

However, it’s also acceptable to just add an apostrophe to singular nouns that end in “S.” (See what we mean by the rules being ambiguous?)

Possessive Apostrophes and Plural Nouns

Typically, if a plural noun ends with an “S,” you simply have to add an apostrophe.

But what about plural nouns that don’t end in “S”? In that case, you would add an apostrophe + “S”.

Knowing this, the placement of the apostrophe can inform you whether the noun is singular possessive or plural possessive. For example,

Because tiger is followed by an apostrophe + “S,” you can deduce that one tiger had its cage filled with snacks and goodies. On the contrary,

In the example above, the enclosure belongs to multiple tigers, and it was filled with snacks and goodies.

Possessive Apostrophes and Plural Last Names

Usually, last names become plural by simply adding an “S.”

However, if the last name ends with an “S” or “Z,” then it is pluralized by adding
“–es.”

That being said, you should pluralize the last name and then add the apostrophe as needed.

Possessive Apostrophes and Classical/Biblical Names

The guidelines can be a little different for classical and biblical names. Usually, names that end in “S” or “ES” and have two syllables or more, simply get an apostrophe.

However, if the name is only one syllable, then it typically gets an apostrophe + “S” added to it.

Possessive Apostrophes and Possessive Pronouns

Possessive pronouns (e.g., ours, yours, his, hers, theirs, etc.) take no apostrophe.

Possessive Apostrophes and Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns (e.g., anyone, everyone, somebody, etc.) use the singular possessive form.

Possessive Apostrophes and Compound Nouns

For compound nouns that contain separate words (e.g., Christmas tree or Alex and John), you only need to add an apostrophe + “S” to the last noun.

Possessive Apostrophes for Buildings, Objects, and Pieces of Furniture

If you are indicating possession for a building, object, or piece of furniture, there is no need to use an apostrophe.

Using Possessive Apostrophes Correctly

Don’t get overwhelmed by the vast number of rules there are for possessive apostrophes. If you’re writing for a publication, make sure to follow their style guide. If you’re writing for school, ask your teacher which rules you should stick to. What’s important is that you remain consistent throughout your writing. Don’t follow one rule in one paragraph, and then another in the next.

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