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Apostrophes - Singular Possessive (to Proper Nouns)
This is Peter's dog.

Apostrophes - Singular Possessive (to Proper Nouns)

Learn how apostrophes show when something belongs to one special person, like Jess’s lunchbox or Chris’s pencil, using clear KS1 sentences.

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Fascinating Fact:

Use “Jess’s lunchbox” or “Chris’s pencil” the same way, with ’s after names ending in s.

In KS1 English, children learn to use an apostrophe and s to show when something belongs to one person, including names like Ben’s book, Aisha’s bag and Jess’s jumper.

Key Terms

  • Proper noun: A special name for a person, place or thing that starts with a capital letter, like Lucy, London or Tuesday.
  • Apostrophe (’): A punctuation mark used to show missing letters or to show that something belongs to someone.
  • Singular possessive: Using apostrophe + s (’s) to show something belongs to one person or thing, like “Tom’s hat”.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is a singular possessive apostrophe with proper nouns?

A singular possessive apostrophe with proper nouns shows that something belongs to one named person, using ’s, like “Mia’s pencil” or “Alex’s game”.

Do I use ’s after names that already end in s?

Yes. In KS1 we usually add ’s even if the name ends in s, like “Jess’s lunchbox” or “James’s coat”, to make the ownership clear.

How can I teach children to spot possessive apostrophes in names?

Ask “Who does it belong to?” If the answer is one person’s name, write the name then add ’s, for example “Layla’s bag” or “Chris’s ball”.

Try These Related Quizzes

To see a larger image, click on the picture.
1 .
James' new shoes were brilliant. Why don't we need to write James's?
Because James doesn't like too many 's' in his name.
Because it would take too long to add the extra 's'.
If a name ends in an 's' then you only need to add an apostrophe to show possession.
If a name ends in an 's' then they don't own anything.
You have a choice. If a name ends in 's' you can either write it this way: James'; or this way: James's. Both are correct but the preferred way tends to be James'.
2 .
Which sentence is perfect?
It was Charlies party but Sarahs birthday and Alan's cake!
It was Charlies' party but Sarahs birthday and Alans cake!
It was Charlies's party but Sarah's' birthday and Alanss' cake!
It was Charlie's party but Sarah's birthday and Alan's cake!
Lots of things belonging to different people here! All need an apostrophe after their name to show the possession of physical things like a cake and non-physical things like a birthday.
3 .
Which sentence is perfect?
Jenny's horse was better behaved but I preferred Amys horse.
Jennys horse was better behaved but I preferred Amy's horse.
Jennys horse was better behaved but I preferred Amys horse.
Jenny's horse was better behaved but I preferred Amy's horse.
Horses can sleep both lying down and standing up.
4 .
Which sentence shows the apostrophe in the correct place?
This is Anne's new watch.
This is Annes new watch.
This is Annes' new watch.
This is Ann'es new watch.
Because Anne's name doesn't end in an 's' we add one. If a name does end in an 's' you can either add 's or just put an apostrophe after it.
5 .
Which sentence is perfect?
Sallys jumper cost a fortune.
Sallies jumper cost a fortune.
Sally's jumper cost a fortune.
Sallys' jumper cost a fortune.
The jumper belongs to Sally, because she is holding it - it doesn't look like she has bought it yet though!
6 .
Which sentence is perfect?
Harrys eyes are blue and his hair is brown.
Harrys' eyes are blue and his hair is brown.
Harry's eyes are blue and his hair is brown.
Harry eyes are blue and his hair is brown.
You can own things that you haven't bought - like eyes, hair etc.
7 .
Which sentence is perfect?
Miss Cook's lessons were Kerry's favourite.
Miss Cooks lessons were Kerry's favourite.
Miss Cook's lessons were Kerrys favourite.
Miss Cooks lessons were Kerrys favourite.
Miss Cook owns the lessons, because they belong to her - they are her lessons. Kerry also owns the idea of something being her favourite.
8 .
Which sentence is perfect?
Emmas rabbit has brown fur and Keith's has yellow.
Emma's rabbit has brown fur and Keith's has yellow.
Emmas rabbit has brown fur and Keiths has yellow.
Emma's rabbit has brown fur and Keiths has yellow.
There are about thirty different types of rabbits.
9 .
Which sentence is perfect?
Chris beard was getting very long.
Chris' beard was getting very long.
Chris'beard was getting very long.
Chris'ss beard was getting very long.
In 1698, in Russia, men were taxed on having beards!
10 .
That is John's kite. Why is there an apostrophe and an 's' after John's name?
Because his name is Johns.
To show that the kite belongs to John.
Because John belongs to the kite.
Because there are two words being joined together.
We use an apostrophe to show a missing letter for contractions but there is also another use for apostrophes - to show that the kite belongs to John.
You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Using apostrophes to show belonging

Author:  Finola Waller (MEd, Primary School Teacher & KS1 English Quiz Writer)
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