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ESL forum >
Ask for help > grammar question
grammar question
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jarek2011
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grammar question
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The question concerns genetive case. I understand why we use the apostrophe before "s" as in women �s skirt or children �s toy BUT
I do not quite get why there is an apostrophe after "s" in
thieves � car or wive �s party.
I am in the dark. Can you explain this grammar point to me?
jarek |
19 Nov 2012
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efty charle
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When the word is in plural, it finishes with s, right? So you put the word in plural thieves, wives, pupils, etc. and add the apostrophe after s.
EXAMPLES:
The pupils � books are on the floor. (a lot of pupils � books)
The pupil �s books are on the floor. (one pupil �s books)
The thief �s gun is on the floor.
The thieves � guns are on the floor. |
19 Nov 2012
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jarek2011
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yeah, I got that far but the question was why we do not write/ place an apostrophe before "s"
thieve �s gun or wive �s book
in other words: why do we use the apostrophe before "s" not after "s" since we say children �s book or mice �s toy. Both book and toy are in singular as you know
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19 Nov 2012
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Dyana13
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both of your examples refer to plural nouns and genitive. but because women and children are irregular nouns, they don �t end in �s �. so, you can add " �s "for genitive. but for regular nouns, if we used " �s" after the plural s you would have no way to differentiate them in pronunciation. so, logic says one is not necessary. because you can �t change the words to singular, as it would change the meaning, you give up the s after the apostrophe.
at least that �s how I explain it to the children
hope it helped you!
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19 Nov 2012
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Zora
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Because the genitive case ( �s) isn �t a plural form. Many plural words that are also possesives are written with only the � because to repeat the �s � would be redundant and it often makes the word harder to say; hence The wives � instead of the wives �s.
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19 Nov 2012
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lurdesilva
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The possessive case is used AFTER a noun. Notice the rules: Singular noun /name + �s (even if the proper name ends in "s") The boy �s bike is new. James �s bike is new. / Mary �s bike is new. Plural noun without "s" + �s The children �s toys are in the box. / The women �s clothes are on the left. Plural noun with "s" + � My parents � house is big and comfortable. I have just corrected my students � essays. Two nouns or names - after the last noun/name That is the boy and the girl �s new computer. / This is John and Anne �s CD. With objects we usually use "of" The colour of the house is white. Hope this helps you!  |
19 Nov 2012
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jarek2011
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Now I got it! thank you very much for your invaluable help! |
19 Nov 2012
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