1. SaxonGenitive M.Martín

2. POSSESSIVE NOUNS (also known as the SAXON GENITIVE) are used to show that something belongs to somebody. • Peter has a car. This is his car. This is Peter’s car. • Jenny should do it. It is her job. This is Jenny’s job. • Our teacher sits in this chair. This is his chair This is our teacher’s chair • We are American. We must protect our interests. We must protect America’s interests. • This is our dog. This is his toy. This is the dog’s toy.

3. noun + apostrophe (‘) + ‘s’ = SAXON GENITIVE

4. If the noun already ends with an ‘s’ – for example because it is a plural – only the apostrophe is added: • James has a car. This is his car. This is James’ car. • I must read these plays. They were written by Sophocles. I must read Sophocles’ plays. • Mr Jones has a very nice house. Mr Jones’ house is very nice.

5. In compounds or in expressions consisting of several words, ‘s is only added to the last word: • my brother-in-law’s guitar • the Prince of Wales’ visit • Kate and Jim’s caravan

6. REMEMBER! • Compare these examples: • The boy’s room is very large. (only one boy lives in this room) • The boys’ room is very large. (two or more boys live in this room) • The teachers’ room (There is a room where all the teachers meet) • The teacher’s room (This teacher has his/her own room)

7. REMEMBER! • Don’t confuse the SAXON GENITIVE with a verb. See the examples: • I like Marc’s sense of humour. (Saxon Genitive) • Marc’s English is terrible. (Saxon Genitive: Marc speaks English badly) • Marc’s English. (Marc is English.) • Marc’s told me what to do. (Marc has told me what to do.)

8. REMEMBER! • SAXON GENITIVE is usually used of people, countries or animals. We cannot say: • This is the book’s end (INCORRECT) but: • This is the end of the book. (CORRECT) • This is the house’s top (INCORRECT) but: • This is the top of the house. (CORRECT)