 |
 |
 |
 |
|
POSSESSIVES
|
||
|
POSSESSIVE ENDING
|
EXAMPLE
|
|
| Singular proper nouns |
Add an apostrophe and s.
|
Ann's purse; Joan's shoes
|
| Singular common nouns |
Add an apostrophe and s.
|
one week's vacation
|
| Nouns ending in s or z sound |
To avoid awkward z sound, add just an apostrophe.
|
Liz' briefcase; Mr. Rollins' tie
|
| Plural proper nouns |
Add an apostrophe.
|
the Browns' son
|
| Plural common nouns |
If it ends in s, add an apostrophe.
If it doesn't end in s, add an apostrophe and s. |
carpenters' tools; two weeks' pay; men's clothes |
| Compound nouns |
Add an apostrophe and s.
|
mother-in-law's books
|
| Joint possession, shared ownership |
The last person mentioned carries the possessive.
|
Tony and Jim's report |
| Joint possession, separate ownership |
Each person carries the possessive.
|
Women's and men's dressing rooms |
| Possessive pronouns |
Don't use an apostrophe.
|
Ours; yours |
|
COMPOUND SUBJECTS
|
|
|
When two or more subjects (persons, places or things) are joined by and, the verb is plural.
|
The lawyer and his client are going to court.
|
| When two subjects joined by and act as a unit, the verb is singular. |
Pork and beans was served as a side dish.
Ham and eggs was served for brunch. |
| When two or more subjects are joined by or or nor, the verb agrees with the subject that is closest to it. |
Either Jane or Mary is going to New York.
Neither Kate, Lisa nor I am planning to attend. Jim or his associates have the tickets. |
Secretaries USA copyright 2001 - 2007