The Rule for Words that End with a Single S

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 125 views

Understanding Possessive Nouns

In the English language, possessive nouns are used to show that something belongs to someone or something. When it comes to words that end with the letter S, forming a possessive noun can be a bit tricky. In this article, we will explore the rules and guidelines for making a word that ends with S possessive.

The Basic Rule

The basic rule for making a word that ends with S possessive is to add an apostrophe (') after the S. This is the most common way to form a possessive noun, and it is used for most words that end with the letter S. For example:

The Jones' car is red.
The Smiths' house is beautiful.

The Exception to the Rule

However, there is an exception to the rule. If the word that ends with S is a plural noun that ends with a single S, you can add an apostrophe and an S to form the possessive noun. This is because the word is already plural, and adding an S would make it sound like a different word. For example:

The cats' toys are everywhere.
The buses' schedules are online.

The Rule for Words that End with a Single S

If the word that ends with S is a singular noun, you can add an apostrophe and an S to form the possessive noun. This is because the word is already singular, and adding an S would make it sound like a different word. For example:

The bus's tires are worn out.
The boss's office is on the top floor.

The Rule for Words that End with a Double S

If the word that ends with a double S is a singular noun, you can add an apostrophe and an S to form the possessive noun. This is because the word is already singular, and adding an S would make it sound like a different word. For example:

The address's is 123 Main Street.
The address's is 456 Elm Street.

The Rule for Words that End with a Double S and a Plural S

If the word that ends with a double S and a plural S is a plural noun, you can add an apostrophe and an S to form the possessive noun. This is because the word is already plural, and adding an S would make it sound like a different word. For example:

The addresses's are 123 Main Street and 456 Elm Street.
The addresses's are 789 Oak Street and 901 Maple Street.

The Rule for Words that End with a Double S and a Plural S with an Apostrophe

If the word that ends with a double S and a plural S with an apostrophe is a plural noun, you can add an apostrophe and an S to form the possessive noun. This is because the word is already plural, and adding an S would make it sound like a different word. For example:

The addresses's' are 123 Main Street and 456 Elm Street.
The addresses's' are 789 Oak Street and 901 Maple Street.

The Rule for Words that End with a Double S and a Plural S with an Apostrophe and an S

If the word that ends with a double S and a plural S with an apostrophe and an S is a plural noun, you can add an apostrophe and an S to form the possessive noun. This is because the word is already plural, and adding an S would make it sound like a different word. For example:

The addresses's's are 123 Main Street and 456 Elm Street.
The addresses's's are 789 Oak Street and 901 Maple Street.

The Rule for Words that End with a Double S and a Plural S with an Apostrophe and an S and an Apostrophe

If the word that ends with a double S and a plural S with an apostrophe and an S and an apostrophe is a plural noun, you can add an apostrophe and an S to form the possessive noun. This is because the word is already plural, and adding an S would make it sound like a different word. For example:

The addresses's's's are 123 Main Street and 456 Elm Street.
The addresses's's's are 789 Oak Street and 901 Maple Street.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making a word that ends with S possessive can be a bit tricky, but by following the rules and guidelines outlined in this article, you can form possessive nouns correctly. Remember to add an apostrophe after the S for most words that end with the letter S, and add an apostrophe and an S for plural nouns that end with a single S. With practice and patience, you will become a master of forming possessive nouns in no time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Adding an apostrophe and an S to a singular noun that ends with a single S.
Adding an apostrophe to a plural noun that ends with a single S.
Adding an apostrophe and an S to a plural noun that ends with a double S.
Adding an apostrophe and an S to a plural noun that ends with a double S and a plural S.

Tips and Tricks

Use a dictionary or a grammar guide to check the possessive form of a word.
Practice forming possessive nouns with different words that end with the letter S.
Use online resources or grammar tools to help you with possessive nouns.
Read and write regularly to improve your grammar skills.

Final Thoughts

Making a word that ends with S possessive is an important part of the English language, and by following the rules and guidelines outlined in this article, you can form possessive nouns correctly. Remember to practice and be patient, and you will become a master of forming possessive nouns in no time.

Q: What is the basic rule for making a word that ends with S possessive?

A: The basic rule for making a word that ends with S possessive is to add an apostrophe (') after the S. This is the most common way to form a possessive noun, and it is used for most words that end with the letter S.

Q: What is the exception to the rule for making a word that ends with S possessive?

A: The exception to the rule is when the word that ends with S is a plural noun that ends with a single S. In this case, you can add an apostrophe and an S to form the possessive noun.

Q: How do I form a possessive noun for a word that ends with a single S?

A: To form a possessive noun for a word that ends with a single S, you can add an apostrophe and an S. For example: The bus's tires are worn out.

Q: How do I form a possessive noun for a word that ends with a double S?

A: To form a possessive noun for a word that ends with a double S, you can add an apostrophe and an S. For example: The address's is 123 Main Street.

Q: What is the difference between a singular and plural noun that ends with S?

A: A singular noun that ends with S is a noun that refers to one person or thing, while a plural noun that ends with S is a noun that refers to more than one person or thing.

Q: How do I know whether to add an apostrophe and an S or just an apostrophe to a word that ends with S?

A: To determine whether to add an apostrophe and an S or just an apostrophe, you need to consider the type of noun you are using. If the noun is singular, you can add an apostrophe and an S. If the noun is plural, you can add just an apostrophe.

Q: Can I use an apostrophe and an S for a word that ends with a double S and a plural S?

A: Yes, you can use an apostrophe and an S for a word that ends with a double S and a plural S. For example: The addresses's are 123 Main Street and 456 Elm Street.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when making a word that ends with S possessive?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when making a word that ends with S possessive include adding an apostrophe and an S to a singular noun that ends with a single S, adding an apostrophe to a plural noun that ends with a single S, and adding an apostrophe and an S to a plural noun that ends with a double S.

Q: How can I practice making a word that ends with S possessive?

A: You can practice making a word that ends with S possessive by using a dictionary or a grammar guide to check the possessive form of a word, practicing forming possessive nouns with different words that end with the letter S, and using online resources or grammar tools to help you with possessive nouns.

Q: What are some tips and tricks for making a word that ends with S possessive?

A: Some tips and tricks for making a word that ends with S possessive include using a dictionary or a grammar guide to check the possessive form of a word, practicing forming possessive nouns with different words that end with the letter S, and using online resources or grammar tools to help you with possessive nouns.

Q: Can I use an apostrophe and an S for a word that ends with a double S and a plural S with an apostrophe?

A: Yes, you can use an apostrophe and an S for a word that ends with a double S and a plural S with an apostrophe. For example: The addresses's' are 123 Main Street and 456 Elm Street.

Q: What is the final thought on making a word that ends with S possessive?

A: Making a word that ends with S possessive is an important part of the English language, and by following the rules and guidelines outlined in this article, you can form possessive nouns correctly. Remember to practice and be patient, and you will become a master of forming possessive nouns in no time.