Rule 5 from 11 Rules of Writing
To indicate possession, end a singular noun with an apostrophe followed by an "s". Otherwise, the noun's form seems plural.
Examples
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Incorrect: Though the lobsters claws were bound, the creature made a threatening gesture as they dropped it in the pot.
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Correct: Though the lobster's claws were bound, the creature made a threatening gesture as they dropped it in the pot.
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Incorrect: In a democracy, anyones vote counts as much as mine.
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Correct: In a democracy, anyone's vote counts as much as mine.
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Incorrect: There is a vast age difference between Victors mother and father.
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Correct: There is a vast age difference between Victor's mother and father.
References
More information about this rule is available from the following sources.
Online Resources: - The Elements of Style: rule 1
Printed Resources: (see Books on Writing section)
- Strunk and White: 1-1
- Hacker: P5-a
