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Using Nouns with Apostrophes

Singular Nouns

When you want to show ownership or possession for a singular noun [person, object, thing], there are simple rules.

1. Write the singular word
2. Add an apostrophe
3. Then add an s to the end

Examples:

• a receptionist's duties = the duties of ONE receptionist
• the manager's office = the office of ONE manager
• a teacher's schedule = the schedule of ONE teacher
• a director's resignation = the resignation of ONE director
• an employee's promotion = the promotion of ONE employee

Plural Nouns

When you want to show ownership or possession for a *plural* noun [person, object, thing], the rules are as follows:

1. Write the plural word
2. Add an apostrophe
3. If necessary, add an s to the end

Examples:

• two receptionists' duties = the duties of MORE THAN ONE receptionist
• two managers' offices = the offices of MORE THAN ONE manager
  
• three teachers' schedules = the schedules of MORE THAN ONE teacher
  
• two directors' resignations = the resignations of MORE THAN ONE director
  
• five employees' promotions = the promotionS of MORE THAN ONE employee
  
• banks' interest rates = the interest rates of MORE THAN ONE bank * citizens' action groups = the action groups of MORE THAN ONE citizen

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• March 20, 2008, 8:19 pm - Marie Taschner

  I don't know how to use the apostrophe in the following scenario:

  Would I say Mr. Higgins' chart (his name ends in the letter s)
  OR would I say Mr. Higgins's chart?

  HELP!!

  Proper Nouns with Apostrophes

  Hi Marie,

  Thanks for writing the the Humble Apostrophe.

  Your question is a good one, and I believe the answer you're looking for is on the Proper Nouns page:

  http://humbleapostrophe.com/propernouns.html

  If Mrs Jones owns a handbag, you can say:

  "This is Mrs Jones' handbag."

  or

  Mrs Jones's handbag

  but never Mrs Jone's handbag (unless the surname is Jone)

  So in your case, you would say: "This is Mr. Higgins' chart.", or "Mr. Higgins's chart".

  Both are acceptable, but I prefer to only have one 's' at the end of a word, as it looks neater.

  Happy Easter Marie, hope this helps,
  Cheers
  Teena
  Apostrophe Queen