The Apostrophe S - ('S) | Possessive Case - Genitive Case

Summary

In this video, Yana from English Buff explains the differences between the possessive and genitive cases in English grammar. She breaks down how to form possessives for singular and plural nouns, including names ending in -s. Yana also covers possessive usage for joint ownership, abstract nouns, and inanimate objects, clarifying the apostrophe rules. She discusses cases when ‘of’ is used instead, especially for places, organizations, and time expressions. The video aims to clear up common confusion about possessive forms, providing a clear understanding for learners.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Possessive Case shows ownership by adding an apostrophe and sometimes 's' to nouns.
• 😀 To form the possessive of a noun that doesn't end in 's', add 's'.
• 😀 For plural nouns that don't end in 's', add 'S'.
• 😀 When plural nouns end in 's', simply add an apostrophe.
• 😀 For names ending in 's', both 's and just the apostrophe are correct forms for possession.
• 😀 For a single friend, you add apostrophe + 's' (e.g., friend's). For multiple friends, you add only the apostrophe (e.g., friends').
• 😀 When two people jointly own something, the possessive is formed from the last noun.
• 😀 To show individual possession for multiple people, add 's after each name.
• 😀 The possessive form can be used without a noun if the meaning is clear (e.g., the car's tire).
• 😀 'Of' is used with abstract nouns or inanimate objects, while possessives like 's are used for specific places or times.
• 😀 We use 's for time-related or place-related possessions, such as 'the shop's door' or 'the year's events.'

Q & A

What is the main difference between the Possessive Case and the Genitive Case in English grammar?

The Possessive Case shows ownership, often formed by adding 's or just an apostrophe to a noun. The Genitive Case is similar but is more commonly used in formal or literary contexts, and it often involves possession of abstract things or relationships.

How do we form the possessive of a noun that doesn’t end with an 's'?

If a noun doesn’t end with an 's', you simply add 's to the end of the noun to show possession.

What should we do if a plural noun doesn’t end with an 's' when forming the possessive?

When a plural noun doesn’t end with an 's', you add 'S to the end of the noun to show possession.

How do we form the possessive of plural nouns that end with an 's'?

For plural nouns that end with an 's', you only add an apostrophe after the 's' to show possession.

What should we do if a proper noun ends with an 's'?

For proper nouns that end with an 's', you can either add just the apostrophe or add both an apostrophe and an 's'—both forms are correct.

How do we form the possessive of a noun like 'friend'?

To show possession for 'friend', you add an apostrophe and 's' if there is only one friend. For multiple friends, you simply add an apostrophe at the end.

How do we express possession when talking about two people who jointly own something?

When two people jointly own something, you only add 's to the last person's name in the phrase to indicate joint possession.

When should we use the possessive form without adding a noun after it?

You can use the possessive form without a noun after it when the meaning is clear from context, such as when referring to a building, object, or furniture.

When should we use 'of' instead of the possessive form?

We use 'of' when referring to abstract nouns or inanimate things. It is also used for specific places or organizations, especially when the possession is less direct or formal.

How do we form the possessive when referring to a place or time?

When referring to a place or time, you add 's to indicate possession, such as in 'the shop's door' or 'the day's schedule'. In some cases, 'of' can also be used, particularly in more formal contexts.