Let's solve this step-by-step based on the task:
Using the possessive apostrophe correctly for plural nouns ending in -s.
The rule for forming possession with
plural nouns that end in -s is:
> Add
an apostrophe after the 's' (i.e.,
') to show possession.
> Example: *the farmers’ animals* → "farmers" is plural and ends in -s, so we add
' after the s.
Now let’s go through each row:
---
1. The farmers → animals
✔ Already done:
the farmers’ animals
---
2. The hens → eggs
- "Hens" is a plural noun ending in -s.
- The eggs belong to the hens.
- So we write:
the hens’ eggs
✔️ Answer:
the hens’ eggs
---
3. The boys → ball
- "Boys" is plural and ends in -s.
- The ball belongs to the boys.
- So we write:
the boys’ ball
✔️ Answer:
the boys’ ball
---
4. The ducks → pond
- "Ducks" is plural and ends in -s.
- The pond belongs to the ducks (maybe they live there or it's their pond).
- So we write:
the ducks’ pond
✔️ Answer:
the ducks’ pond
---
5. The twins → see-saw
- "Twins" is plural and ends in -s.
- The see-saw belongs to the twins.
- So we write:
the twins’ see-saw
✔️ Answer:
the twins’ see-saw
---
✔ Final Answers:
| The Owners | The Object(s) | Phrase with Possessive Apostrophe |
|----------------|---------------|-----------------------------------|
| the farmers | animals | the farmers’ animals |
| the hens | eggs |
the hens’ eggs |
| the boys | ball |
the boys’ ball |
| the ducks | pond |
the ducks’ pond |
| the twins | see-saw |
the twins’ see-saw |
---
📝 Explanation:
We use an apostrophe
after the 's' when the plural noun already ends in -s because:
- The possessive form of plural nouns ending in -s is formed by adding
' (apostrophe only), not
’s.
- This avoids confusion and follows standard grammar rules.
Examples:
- *the girls’ toys* (not “girls’s”)
- *the dogs’ bones*
- *the children’s books* (note: “children” doesn’t end in -s, so we add ‘s)
But here, all owners are plural nouns ending in -s → so just add
’ after the
s.
✔ All answers follow this rule perfectly!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of plural possessive apostrophe worksheet.
