Page 30 - TARGET YOUR PUNCTUATION

cat’s
Target 7: Apostrophes – Rule 2 (ownership) cats’

Apostrophes are also used to show that something belongs to someone or
something (they show ownership).

When there is one owner, put the apostrophe before the final s.

NOTE:
The apostrophe always points towards the owner.

The cat’s tail The tail belongs to the cat.

The dog’s kennel The kennel belongs to the dog.

When there is more than one owner (plural nouns), you usually put

the apostrophe after the final s.

The boys’ game The game belongs to the boys.

The horses’ stable The stable belongs to the horses.

HOWEVER, for plurals that do not end with s, you just add ’s.

e.g. The mice’s cheese The people’s club

The men’s shop The women’s gym
The children’s party The sheep’s field

Two exceptions:

1: Its (belonging to it). The bird built its nest.
This does not have an apostrophe.

2: Names ending in s just have an James’ car Evans’ house,
apostrophe added with no extra s. Miss Davis’ cat
This does not have an apostrophe.

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