Plurals, Possessives and Apostrophes Illustrated

by Mary Cullen on November 24, 2008

in Business Writing Grammar

John’s is possessive so it needs the apostrophe, but thing’s is plural only (not possessive), so it needs no apostrophe. This should read: John’s Things.

I so wish I had my camera with me this morning because I saw two signs alerting shoppers they would find CDs in the area. They read:

CD’s and CDs

I had to laugh, wondering if the sign maker thought by presenting both forms, one was sure to be correct!

Non-possesive plurals do not need an apostrophe. The correct sign is: CDs

Learn More in This Course: Business Grammar: Error-Free Writing

Leave a Comment

Previous post: Inanimate Possessives: two days’ time or two days time?

Next post: With Thanks