Punctuation

Question

Which labels correctly show that the named object belongs to the stated owner? Select all that apply.

1. Athe artist’s easel (one artist)✓ Correct

   A single artist is shown as the owner with apostrophe-s.

2. Bthe pilots’ lounge (multiple pilots)✓ Correct

   The plural noun ends in s, so the apostrophe follows it.

3. Cthe men’s workshop (multiple men)✓ Correct

   The plural men does not end in s and takes apostrophe-s.

4. Dthe dancers’s studio (multiple dancers)✗ Incorrect

   The plural noun already ends in s; another s after the apostrophe is unnecessary.

5. Ethe florist tools (one florist)✗ Incorrect

   The owner needs an apostrophe and s to indicate possession.

Answer

A. the artist’s easel (one artist) · B. the pilots’ lounge (multiple pilots) · C. the men’s workshop (multiple men)

Rationale

Possessive endings depend on the noun’s form and sound. A noun ending in s or an s sound takes an apostrophe alone; otherwise, it takes an apostrophe followed by s.