Question

What are the functions of the final "s" ("'s" and "s'") on common English nouns?

a) To indicate possession or association.
b) To pluralize nouns.
c) To introduce subordinate clauses.
d) To emphasize the main subject.

Answer 1

The final 's' a) indicates possession or association with an apostrophe and -s for singular nouns, and with an apostrophe alone for plural nouns ending in -s. It is also used to b) pluralize nouns.

Step-by-step explanation:

The functions of the final "s" ("'s" and "s'") on common English nouns include a) indicating possession or association and b) pluralizing nouns.

For example, to show possession with a singular noun, we add an apostrophe and -s (e.g., the owner's insurance). Singular nouns that end in -s and are pronounced are treated similarly (e.g., the waitress's coat).

In the case of plural forms that do not end in -s, we also add 's, as in the children's game. However, for plural nouns that end in -s, we simply add an apostrophe after the final -s, as in the three friends' cars.

The final 's' is never used to introduce subordinate clauses or to emphasize the main subject.