=Exercise 82--The Possessive Case=
To form the possessive case of nouns add an _apostrophe_ and _s_ to all
singular nouns, and to all plural nouns that do not end in _s_; if a
plural _noun_ ends in _s_ add only an apostrophe; as, _child's_,
_children's_, _boys'_.
_Exception._--When, in long words, the additional _s_
in the singular would cause a disagreeable sound, some
writers use only the apostrophe; as,
We awaited the _princess's_ decision. We awaited the
_princess'_ decision.
It is often better in such cases to use a phrase; as,
We awaited the decision _of the princess_.
Thus, an _of_ phrase may be used instead of the possessive case. In
speaking of an inanimate object one should use it instead of the
apostrophe and _s_; as, _the top of the mountain_. However, we use such
expressions as _last year's prices_.
When, as in the name of a firm, two or more nouns are taken together
with the idea of common possession, the sign of the possessive is added
to the last noun only. If separate possession is implied, the sign of
the possessive is added to each noun; as,
Have you seen _Wilson & King's_ new building?
This is _Mary and Helen's_ room.
Is this _Mary's or Helen's_ coat?
A noun or pronoun is in the possessive case before a verbal noun; as,
I prefer to have _John's_ studying done before dinner.
I prefer to have _his_ studying done before dinner.
Write sentences expressing relation between the words in the following
pairs. Use one of them in the possessive case or use an _of_ phrase,
whichever seems better.
the manager, desk city, harbor
desk, top drawer proprietor, private office
book, cover typewriter, keys
city, mayor ledger, first page
Bring to class five incorrect possessive phrases taken from
advertisements. Explain and correct the mistakes.
=Exercise 83=
Which of the italicized words would you use? Why?