Apostrophe s vs s Apostrophe: Difference and Comparison

It is needless to say that learning a language takes immense dedication and an eye for detail. But English is a language that confuses even the most fluent speaker.

Key Takeaways

1. The apostrophe ‘s’ is used for singular or plural nouns not ending in ‘s’ to show possession, such as “the dog’s toy” or “the children’s playground.”
2. The s’ apostrophe is used for plural nouns ending in ‘s’ to indicate possession, such as “the dogs’ toys” or “the teachers’ lounge.”
3. Both forms are crucial for demonstrating possession in English but must be used correctly to ensure everything is clear.

Apostrophe s vs s Apostrophe

The difference between Apostrophe s and s Apostrophe is that while the former is used when we wish to convey an individual’s possession of a certain thing or quality, as against the latter’s usage, which is to convey that the possession of a thing or quality not by an individual but by more than one person.

Apostrophe s is used in the context of a possessive now, demonstrating the person’s ownership over a certain thing or quality.

S Apostrophe is used in the form of a possessive noun to convey ownership as well, but it differs from the former in a crucial aspect. It is used when the possession or ownership of something or quality by more than one person is to be conveyed.

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison	Apostrophe s	s Apostrophe
Usage	It is when conveying an individual’s possession of a certain thing or quality.	It is used to convey that more than one person possesses a thing or quality.
Compound Possessive	If two nouns are acting separately, the apostrophe has to be placed after each noun.	There is no scope for it here.
S/SS	It has no applicability here.	When a person’s name or a noun ends in ‘s’, this should be used to give clarity.
Exceptions	In the case of an irregular plural noun, this should be used.	There are no exceptions in this regard.
Example	Sonya’s house is grand and beautiful.	The Smiths’ have a party at their place tonight. Thomas’ books were stolen right before his exams.

What is Apostrophe s?

An apostrophe s is used in the context of a possessive now, demonstrating the person’s ownership over a certain thing or quality.

Using an apostrophe before ‘s’ is so simple that this shouldn’t confuse one at all. Our subject of focus should be whether the noun in question is singular or plural.

There is common confusion about whether an apostrophe can be used before ‘s’ if a person’s name ends in S. This is hotly debated because some sources state that it is not mandatory to use an apostrophe before ‘s’ in this case, and the apostrophe should be used after ‘s.’

What is s Apostrophe?

S Apostrophe is used in the form of a possessive noun to convey ownership as well, but it differs from the former in a crucial aspect. It is used when the possession or ownership of something or quality by more than one person is to be conveyed.

It is pertinent to note that in this regard, the apostrophe is always placed before the ‘s’ instead of after it.

There is common confusion about whether an apostrophe can be used before ‘s’ if a person’s name ends in S. This is hotly debated because some sources state that it is not mandatory to use an apostrophe before ‘s’ in this case, and the apostrophe should be used after ‘s’.

Main Differences Between Apostrophe s and s Apostrophe

1. In the case of an irregular plural noun, Apostrophe s has to be used. In contrast, s Apostrophe has no role to play in this context.
2. An example with Apostrophe s in it is- Sonya’s house is grand and beautiful. On the other hand, an example with s Apostrophe is- The Smiths’ have a party at their place tonight.

References

1. https://www.proquest.com/openview/2411acd771726546179677ee3f18bea9/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y
2. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/english-today/article/abs/apostrophes-who-needs-them/7F58D7F5D133D1E99C4C6B332CB18E18

Last Updated : 13 July, 2023