English Language Arts
Grade 10
15 min
Identify and correct errors with compound and joint possession
Identify and correct errors with compound and joint possession
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Differentiate between joint possession and individual (separate) possession in complex sentences.
Correctly apply the apostrophe rule for joint possession involving two or more nouns.
Correctly apply the apostrophe rule for individual possession involving two or more nouns.
Identify grammatical errors related to compound and joint possession in literary analysis and research writing.
Revise sentences to correct errors in compound and joint possession, ensuring clarity of meaning.
Construct original sentences that accurately demonstrate both joint and individual possession.
Is it 'Romeo and Juliet's tragic fate' or 'Romeo's and Juliet's tragic fates'? 🤔 The placement of a single apostrophe can change the entire meaning o...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
PossessionThe concept of ownership, belonging, or a relationship between two nouns. In grammar, it is most often indicated by an apostrophe + s ('s) or just an apostrophe (s').In 'the student's research,' the research belongs to the student.
Compound PossessionA situation where two or more nouns are presented as owners. This can be either joint (shared) or individual (separate) possession.Leo and Maya's project (implies one shared project).
Joint PossessionWhen two or more nouns share ownership of the *same* single item or set of items. The key idea is shared ownership.The mother and father's concern was for their child's safety. (The concern is one shared feeling).
Individual PossessionWhen two or more nouns each own their *ow...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Rule of Joint Possession
To show joint ownership, make only the final noun in the series possessive.
Use this rule when two or more people, places, or things own the exact same thing together. Add the apostrophe + s ('s) only to the noun closest to the item being possessed.
The Rule of Individual Possession
To show separate ownership, make every noun in the series possessive.
Use this rule when two or more people, places, or things each own their own, separate version of something. Add the apostrophe + s ('s) to each noun in the group.
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Challenging
Scenario: Two authors, Smith and Jones, co-wrote one book. A review of their work is being written. Which sentence below would be grammatically correct and factually accurate for the review?
A.Smith's and Jones's book argues that research methodology is flawed.
B.Smith and Jones's books argue that research methodology is flawed.
C.Smith's and Jones' book argues that research methodology is flawed.
D.Smith and Jones's book argues that research methodology is flawed.
Challenging
The sentence 'The committee analyzed the principal and superintendent's recommendations' is grammatically ambiguous without further context. What are the two possible meanings?
A.It could mean one set of joint recommendations OR two separate sets of recommendations (if written with a common error).
B.It could mean the principal belongs to the superintendent OR the superintendent belongs to the principal.
C.It could mean the recommendations of several principals OR the recommendations of one superintendent.
D.It could mean the committee's analysis is complete OR the committee's analysis is ongoing.
Challenging
Read the following excerpt from a literary analysis. Which sentence contains an error in compound possession? '(1) The novel explores the complex relationship between two families. (2) The Montague's and Capulet's shared hatred is the story's central conflict. (3) Romeo and Juliet's love is ultimately doomed by this animosity. (4) Their parents' decisions seal their tragic fate.'
A.Sentence 1
B.Sentence 2
C.Sentence 3
D.Sentence 4
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