Possessive Apostrophes
A possessive apostrophe shows that something belongs to someone. We write the owner's name + apostrophe + s ('s) to show ownership.
The Rule: Owner + 's
To show something belongs to someone, add 's after the owner's name.
Where Does the Apostrophe Go?
The apostrophe goes between the owner's name and the s.
Tom's
The apostrophe sits at the top between the name and the s, like a floating comma.
Possessive vs Plural — Don't Confuse Them!
Plural (more than one):
three dogs — no apostrophe
Possessive (belongs to):
the dog's bone — has apostrophe
Ask: "Does something belong to someone?" If yes, use 's.
More Examples
Spot the Possessive Apostrophes
In this passage, the possessive apostrophes are highlighted. Can you see the pattern?
It was Lily's birthday. She opened Grandma's present first — it was a book about Australia's animals. Then her best friend Ava's gift arrived: a tiny toy koala's backpack with a joey inside!
Lily owns the birthday
Grandma owns the present
Australia has the animals
Key Vocabulary
Knowledge Check
Question 1
Which sentence correctly shows the ball belongs to Jack?
Question 2
Rewrite this phrase using a possessive apostrophe: "the house belonging to the witch"
Question 3
Which sentence uses the apostrophe CORRECTLY?
Question 4
What does the possessive apostrophe show?
Lesson Summary
- ✓A possessive apostrophe ('s) shows that something belongs to someone.
- ✓Write the owner's name, then add 's directly after it: Tom's bag, the cat's food.
- ✓Do NOT use an apostrophe just to make a plural — "apples" not "apple's".
- ✓Ask yourself: "Does something belong to someone?" If yes, use the possessive apostrophe.