Grammar - Genitive Case (Possessive S)

The genitive case (also called the possessive case or possessive 's) is used to show ownership or a close relationship between two things. In English, we often form it by adding ’s to a noun or just an apostrophe (’) for plural nouns ending in -s. 

This lesson covers different levels (from A1 to B1). Check the Note below.

1 - Singular Nouns

Add ’s to singular nouns to show possession.

Examples:

• The dog’s tail is wagging. (The tail belongs to the dog.)
• Maria’s book is on the table. (The book belongs to Maria.)
• The teacher’s desk is clean. (The desk belongs to the teacher.)

2 - Plural Nouns

    A. Regular Plurals (ending in -s)

    Add only an apostrophe (’) after the -s.

•     The students’ homework was difficult. (Many students own the homework.)
•     The cats’ toys are everywhere. (Many cats own the toys.)

    B. Irregular Plurals (not ending in -s)

    Add ’s just like singular nouns.

•     The children’s room is messy.
•     The men’s shoes are expensive.

3 - Names and Names Ending in -S

    A. Regular Names

    Add ’s as usual.

•     John’s car is fast.
•     Lucy’s dress is pretty.

    

    B. Names Ending in -S

    You can either:

    Add ’s (more common in modern English)

•     James’s book is interesting.
•     Chris’s phone is new.

    Or just an apostrophe (traditional style)

•     James’ book is interesting.
•     Chris’ phone is new.

4 - Two or More Names (Joint vs. Separate Possession)

    A. Joint Possession (one thing owned together)

    Add ’s only to the last name.

•     Anna and Mark’s house is big. (They share one house.)
•     Liam and Nora’s project got an A. (They worked together.)

    B. Separate Possession (different things owned individually)

    Add ’s to each name.

•     Anna’s and Mark’s cars are parked outside. (They each have their own car.)
•     Liam’s and Nora’s essays were both good. (They wrote separate essays.)

ACTIVITIES

1 - Choose the correct possessive form for each sentence.

2 - Write 3 sentences using the possessive case in the comments.

NOTE

This lesson covers different levels:

A1: Basic singular/plural rules (items 1 and 2).

A2: Irregular plurals, names ending in -s (items 2 and 3).

B1: Joint/separate possession, stylistic choices  (items 3 and 4).

For levels B2-C1, click here.