Usage of Possessive Nouns in English Language

A possessive noun is a noun indicating ownership (or possession). Here are some examples of possessive nouns (shaded):

• a dog's bone
• a man's jacket
• a lion's mane

The examples above are obviously about possession (i.e., ownership). They refer to the bone of the dog, the jacket of the man, and the mane of the lion. However, possessive nouns are not always so obviously about possession. Look at these examples of possessive nouns:

• a book's pages
• a day's pay
• a week's worth
• the stone's throw

Sometimes, possessive nouns are clearly not about possession. Look at these examples:

• The Children's Minister (This is a minister for children's affairs. The minister does not belong to the children.)

• Rembrandt's paintings (These are paintings by Rembrandt. He does not own them.)

So, in order to say that possessive nouns indicate possession, you have to have a very broad definition of the word possession.

Using Apostrophes to Form Possessive Nouns

Possessive nouns usually are formed by adding an apostrophe (') and s.

• Shukan's book
• Grecy's car
• Grandma's mirror

When a noun is plural and ends in s, just add an apostrophe (').

• The kids' toys
• My parents' house
• The teachers' lounge

If two people own one thing, add the apostrophe and s to the second person only.

• Vihan and Mira's new house
• Ram and Sita's wedding
• Radha and Raman's car

If two people own separate things, add the apostrophe and s for each person.

• Rahi's and Shan's books
• Mohan's and Dipak's pants
• Baman's and Rahul's offices

Question

Which of the following is not correct?

1) Dr. Shukans has a new computer.

2) Dr. Shukans's new computer is working well.

3) Dr. Shukans' computer is new.

 Answer

3) Dr. Shukans' computer is new.

That's all for now Friends. All The Best