Nouns - Possessive and Appositive Nouns

Possessive Nouns

Nouns can show possession or ownership. The possessive is formed by using the apostrophe (’) mark. Let us look at some examples of nouns showing possession.

Hari’s book is torn. (Here, ‘Hari’s book’ refers to a book belonging to a person named Hari. Note that there is an ‘s’ after the apostrophe mark.) The postman’s speech was encouraging. (Here, ‘postman’s speech’ refers to a speech delivered by a particular postman. Note that there is an ‘s’ after the apostrophe mark.) The boy’s dad is a pilot. (Here, ‘the boy’s dad’ refers to the father of a particular boy. Note that there is an ‘s’ after the apostrophe mark.) The boys’ project was a big success. (Here, ‘the boys’ project’ refers to a project made by more than one boy. Note that there is no ‘s’ after the apostrophe mark.) The girl’s name is Geeta. (Here, ‘the girl’s name’ refers to the name of a particular girl. Note that there is an ‘s’ after the apostrophe mark.) I study in a girls’ school. (Here, ‘a girls’ school’ refers to a school where girls study. Note that there is no ‘s’ after the apostrophe mark.) Please call the child’s mother. (Here, ‘the child’s mother’ refers to the mother of a particular child. Note that there is an ‘s’ after the apostrophe mark.) I got a gift from my teacher on children’s day. (Here, ‘children’s day’ refers to a day for children. Note that there is an ‘s’ after the apostrophe mark.) Sudhir and Rajbir’s shop is located in a mall. (Here, ‘Sudhir and Rajbir’s shop’ indicates that the shop is jointly owned by the persons named Sudhir and Rajbir. Note that there is an ‘s’ after the apostrophe mark.) Rachna’s and Naresh’s presentations were liked by all. (Here, ‘Rachna’s and Naresh’s presentations’ indicates that the persons named Rachna and Naresh made separate presentations that were liked by all. Note that there is an ‘s’ after the apostrophe mark.)

Appositive Nouns

Sometimes a noun follows another noun to describe it. The noun that follows is known as appositive noun.

For example:

Joseph, my brother, is an honest man. (Here, ‘Joseph’ and ‘my brother’ refer to the same person. Hence, ‘my brother’ is working as a noun in apposition or as an appositive noun.)