Five rules for spelling possessive nouns

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Five rules for spelling possessive nouns

Most writers know that an ��apostrophe s�� is needed to show possession or ownership. Where that apostrophe goes, however, changes depending on whether the word is singular or plural and if it ends in s or not.

If the noun is singular and does not end in s, place the apostrophe between the word��s last letter and the apostrophe s: Jane��s, desk��s, car��s.

Should the singular noun end in s, just place an apostrophe after the word��s last letter. Don��t add an extra s:
CORRECT: dress�� (The dress�� hem needed to be raised.)
WRONG: dress��s

Generally, if the noun is plural and ends in s, place the apostrophe after the s: girls��, cities��, vehicles��. As most plural words end in s, don��t add an extra s:
CORRECT: boys��
WRONG: boys��s

If the noun is plural but doesn��t end in s, add an apostrophe s: men��s, women��s.

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