GENITIVE CASE

Generally, the apostrophe S (‘s) has three different meanings depending on if it is followed by an adjective, a past participle or a noun. Examples:

Peter’s handsome (adjective). = Peter is handsome.

Sarah’s lived (past participle) in London. = Sarah has lived in London.

My father’s car (noun). = The car of my father. The car belongs to my father.    

When we use the apostrophe S (‘s) before a noun it shows possession, that there is a relationship between two things or that something belongs to someone or something.  This is what we call Genitive Case or Possessive Nouns.

Examples:

Singular nouns not ending in –S, add (‘s): John’s house.

Singular nouns ending in –S, add (‘s): The actress’s role.

Plural nouns ending in –S, only add the apostrophe (‘): My parents’ house.

Plural nouns not ending in –S, add (‘s): The women’s clothes.

As a part of a phrase add (‘s) or only (‘) depending on the rules above.

Sometimes the noun after the (‘s) is not necessary when the meaning is clear. Example: My car is faster than Mike’s. (= Mike’s car.)

There is NO difference in pronunciation between dog’s and dogs’. We know if they are talking about one dog or two or more dogs depending on the context.

1. Complete the sentences with (‘) or (’s):

a. Billy___ blue car is in the garage.

b. Mr. John___ secretary is here.

c. They sell ladies___ clothes in this store.

d. The doctor___ kids are very nice.

e. The women___ boyfriends are late.

f. My friends___ cousins are beautiful.

g. We love Grandma___ cookies.

h. The engineer___ sunglasses are broken.

i. I don’t like boys___ sneakers.

j. Bring the baby___ toys.

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2. Rewrite the sentences using the Genitive Case:

a. The skirts of the women are white.

b. The tail of the horse is not short.

c. The offices of the doctors are beautiful.

d. The books of the students are new.

e. The toys of the babies are funny.

f. The hat of Mrs. Sally is red.

g. The dress of my sister is old.

h. The leg of the chair is broken.