An example of a plural possessive noun is students' (referring to something belonging to multiple students).
Understanding Plural Possessive Nouns
A plural possessive noun indicates ownership, belonging, or a close relationship for more than one person, animal, or thing. These nouns show that a group possesses something, rather than a single individual. Correctly forming them is crucial for clear and precise communication.
Rules for Forming Plural Possessive Nouns
The formation of plural possessive nouns depends on whether the plural form of the noun already ends in an "s" or not.
1. For Plural Nouns Ending in 's'
When a plural noun already ends in "s," you simply add an apostrophe (') after the "s" to make it possessive. This rule applies to most regular plural nouns.
- Rule: Add '
- Examples:
dogs'(e.g., the dogs' leashes – referring to leashes belonging to multiple dogs)the Smiths'(e.g., the Smiths' new car – referring to a car belonging to the Smith family)students'(e.g., the students' homework – the homework belonging to multiple students)teachers'(e.g., the teachers' lounge – the lounge for multiple teachers)friends'(e.g., my friends' opinions – the opinions of multiple friends)
2. For Irregular Plural Nouns (Not Ending in 's')
Some plural nouns do not end in "s" (these are called irregular plurals). For these nouns, you add an apostrophe and an "s" ('s) to make them possessive, similar to singular nouns.
- Rule: Add 's
- Examples:
children's(e.g., the children's toys – toys belonging to multiple children)men's(e.g., the men's department – a department for multiple men)women's(e.g., the women's rights movement – a movement for the rights of multiple women)people's(e.g., the people's choice – the choice of multiple people)
Quick Reference Table: Forming Plural Possessive Nouns
To help clarify the rules, here's a table summarizing how to form plural possessive nouns:
| Type of Plural Noun | Rule | Example (Possessive) | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ends in 's' | Add ' | dogs' |
The dogs' toys were scattered everywhere. |
students' |
We collected the students' completed assignments. | ||
| Does not end in 's' | Add 's | children's |
The children's laughter filled the playground. |
men's |
The men's team won the championship. |
Practical Tips for Using Plural Possessives
- Context is Key: Always consider whether you are referring to one owner or multiple owners.
- Read Aloud: If you're unsure, try reading the sentence aloud. It often helps to identify if the possessive form sounds correct.
- Avoid Confusion: Differentiate clearly between a simple plural (e.g., "dogs") and a plural possessive (e.g., "dogs'").
For more detailed information on possessive forms and other noun types, resources like Scribbr's guide on possessive nouns offer comprehensive explanations and examples.
