English // Grammar & Punctuation

Plural vs Possessive in Nouns

Distinguish between the plural -s suffix and the possessive -'s suffix in nouns

Ages
8 to 9
Type
Concept
Builds on
3 topics
Leads to
0 topics
Standards
1 code

Quick check

Can the learner tell the difference between "the girls' coats" (belonging to many girls) and "the girls are coming" (just a plural) — and write each one correctly without mixing up the apostrophe?

Ask this to see whether the topic is secure.

Topic // Mastery

What mastery looks like

What a learner can do once this topic is secure.
  • Sort words like 'dogs', 'dog's', and 'dogs'' into plural, singular possessive, and plural possessive categories
  • Explain why 'the cats bowl' is incorrect and supply the correct form ('the cat's bowl' or 'the cats' bowl') for a given meaning
  • Write two sentences using the same noun — one as a plural and one as a possessive

Topic // Map

Where this fits

What to learn first and what this topic opens up, with the reason for each link. Required links come first.
  • RequiredMust come first
  • HelpfulHelps, but not essential

Before this

3 topics
  • Grammar & Punctuation // Ages 5 to 6

    Distinguishing plural -s from possessive -'s requires understanding of regular plurals

  • Grammar & Punctuation // Ages 6 to 7

    Distinguishing plural -s from possessive 's requires prior knowledge of how apostrophes mark possession

  • Spelling & Word Study // Ages 6 to 8

    Builds on singular possessive apostrophe to contrast with plural -s

You are here

Plural vs Possessive in Nouns

Ages 8 to 9 // Concept

Leads to

0 topics

Nothing in the catalogue builds on this topic yet. Browse Grammar & Punctuation

Topic // Standards

Curriculum standards

Codes for the curriculum statements this topic maps to. Each publisher owns its standard text.
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document
Eng.App2.Y4.Word.1

English // Grammar & Punctuation