Plural and Possessive Nouns

You have learned how to form plural nouns and possessive nouns. Do not confuse possessive nouns with ordinary plural nouns. Most plural nouns end in s (two pilots). If the noun is possessive, you will find an apostrophe (‘) before or after the s (one pilot’s uniform, four pilots’ opinions).

Plural and Possessive Nouns

• You never need an apostrophe in a plural noun.

• Apostrophes are used in possessive nouns (and contractions).

• Ex: Cats have whiskers. - plural noun

• Ex: That is the cat’s toy. – possessive noun

Kinds of Nouns

Ending Example

Plural(more than one)

s or es

Six boysThe Lewises

Singular possessivenouns

‘s A boy’s shoeBetty Lewis’s drum

Plural Possessive nouns that DO end in s

‘ The boys’ teamThe Lewises’ drums

Plural Possessive nouns that DO NOT end in s

‘s Those women’s housesMany children’s horses

Forming Plural and Possessive Nouns

Guided Practice• Directions: Is the

underlined word plural, singular possessive, or plural possessive?

1. Six wolves2. Wolf’s tail3. Three boys4. Two boys’ shoes

5. Gus’s pencil6. Three Guses7. The Joneses’

dog8. The girl’s shirt9. The girls’

sneakers10.One boy’s

socks