Page 56 - Basic English Grammar Student Textbook short

Study Section 11: Advanced Nouns & Pronouns

11.1 Connect

Did you know that nouns and pronouns can own something? Ownership or possession in a
sentence is displayed by using an apostrophe which is a signal that the word owns whatever comes
after it. For example, I could say, “Jennifer’s hat is pretty.” The noun is Jennifer, and Jennifer owns
a hat. It’s her hat. So, we use an apostrophe plus an “s” (most of the time) to show possession.

Today we are also going to learn about all the cases that pronouns have. They can be singular (one) or plural
(two or more) or possessive (showing ownership). Ready to learn?

11.2 Possessive Nouns

Singular Possessive

To show possession for a single person or thing, always add 's (apostrophe s) to show possession of
a single noun.
• The boy’s hat was on the table. (the hat of the boy; the boy has - possesses - a hat)
• The coat's zipper is broken. (the zipper of the coat; the coat has a zipper)

Even when a singular noun ends in s, add ‘s to form the possessive.
• Mr. Jones’s book is on the table.
(Note: it is also acceptable to simply place an apostrophe at the end of a singular noun that ends in s. Examples:
Jesus’ mother; Mr. Jones’ book.)

Practice 11A: Singular Possessives. Type each underlined noun singular possessive by adding an
apostrophe in the correct location.
1. M rs . S m it h j u s t re ad a n e w w ri t e rs s ec o n d n o v el .
2. Th e au t h o rs n am e is G e n t ry W i le y .
3. W i le y s b o o k is ab o u t h is c h ild h o o d in M o n t an a .
4. M r s . Sm i t h s fav o r it e p a rt is at t h e e n d o f t h e b o o k . M r s . Jo n e s s f av o ri t e
p a r t i s t h e b e g i n n i n g .
5. Th e n ov e l s ti tl e i s M y M o nt a na .

Practice 11B: Singular Possessives – Writing Practice. Write a sentence showing singular possession with
an apostrophe. See the example.

1. the vest of the boy EXAMPLE: the boy's vest
The boy's vest was too small.
2. the shoes of the girl

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