Nouns Lesson 6

Formation of the possessive case


Singular nouns form their possessive case by adding ‘s to the singular.
  • The boy’s dog
  • My father’s office
Only the apostrophe (‘) without s is added if the noun contains too many hissing sounds.
  • For goodness’ sake
  • For conscience’ sake
  • For Jesus’ sake
  • Moses’ laws
Plural nouns ending in -s form their possessive case by adding only an apostrophe.
  • Boys’ school
  • Girls’ hostel
Plural nouns that do not end in -s, form the possessive case by adding ‘s.
  • Children’s books
  • Women’s club
Uses of the possessive case
The possessive case is now used chiefly with the names of living things.
  • The lion’s mane
  • The minister’s bodyguards
  • The King’s palace
The possessive case is not normally used with the names of lifeless things; instead, we use a structure with of
  • The leg of the table (NOT The table’s leg)
  • The cover of the book (NOT The book’s cover)
  • The roof of the house (NOT The house’s roof)
Exceptions
The possessive case is often used with the names of personified objects.
  • Nature’s laws
  • Fortune’s favourites
  • At duty’s call
  • At wit’s end
The possessive case is also used with nouns denoting time, space and weight.
  • In a year’s time
  • A day’s work
  • At a stone’s throw
  • A pound’s weight
The possessive of a proper noun denoting a trade, profession or relationship can often be used to denote a building or place of business.
  • She has gone to the baker’s. (= baker’s shop)
  • Tonight we are dining at Smith’s (= Smith’s house)

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