
using 's to show possession
An apostrophe is almost always used with a singular noun in order to indicate possession of an item or items by an individual.
For example:
The lady's sweater is pink.
The lady is wearing a sweater. The sweater is pink.
Singular Noun Ending with S
If a person's name ends in the letter "s", you could still use the apostrophe "s" to indicate ownership. So, if the person's last name is Watkins then add an apostrophe and the letter "s" to show ownership - Watkins's. However, it is also correct to just use just an apostrophe in these instances - Watkins’.
For example:
James’ keys
The keys belong to James.
or
James’s keys (British English)
Possessive Grammar for Plurals
For a plural possessive, you need to make a noun plural and use an apostrophe. For example, for the word girls, add an apostrophe at the end of the word girls = girls'.
For example:
the girl's bedroom
There is one girl. She is in her bedroom.
the boy's skates
He is wearing skates. His skates are black.
the dog's toy
The dog has a toy.
the girls' bedroom
There are two girls. They are in their bedroom.
the boys' skates
There are four boys. They are wearing black skates.
the dogs' toy
There are two dogs. They are sharing one toy.
Possessive Grammar for Irregular Plurals
For nouns with an irregular plural form like children, add an apostrophe then “s”. So, if you are talking about two women, then you would show possession by simply adding an apostrophe and the letter "s".
For example:
How to use apostrophes in English