Apostrophes and ending 'ies' versus 's'

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	Anonymous  #447097  Tue, 27 Nov 07 08:39 PM Hello I'm struggling with the use of apostrophes and the ending s versus ies. ''The bodies ability to repair and regenerate'' Would this be bodies, bodys, body's, bodies' or bodys'? I don't understand. I know when to use them is there is a missing letter, i.e do not=don't etc...but can't grasp the above. Thanks    Anonymous
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	Mister Micawber  #447150  Tue, 27 Nov 07 11:54 PM The 's indicates possession, not missing letters: A doctor's office Two doctors' offices. There is one body, and that body's ability to regenerate... There are two bodies, and those bodies' ability to regenerate...    Mister Micawber Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004 Yokohama Veteran Member (21,266) 'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.'
Apostrophes

	Willingtolearn  #447389  Wed, 28 Nov 07 01:07 PM I know there isn't a missing letter. I was saying that I know when to use apostrophes if there is a missing letter. However, I don't know how to use them regarding possession. In this case, the body’s ability, is ability a possession? If not should it not be bodys? Also, how do we know whether it is singular or plural? The body, i.e. the human body? Is this classed as one or multiple?    Willingtolearn Joined on Tue, Nov 27 2007 New Member (03)
Apostrophes, Plurals

	Mister Micawber  #447397  Wed, 28 Nov 07 01:29 PM Bodys is not a word.  I have already supplied you with all of the possible options and their uses-- singular noun, singular possessive, plural noun and plural possessive: There is one body, and that body's ability to regenerate... There are two bodies, and those bodies' ability to regenerate... The body in your sentence is a single, generalized human body.    Mister Micawber
Apostrophes, Nouns, Plurals, Possessives, Singular nouns

	Willingtolearn  #447515  Wed, 28 Nov 07 07:02 PM Hi thanks for the help, but you never answered my question, Is the body's ability a possession? The body's heart is a possession The body's cells are a possession But is the body's ability a possession?    Willingtolearn
Apostrophes

	Grammar Geek  #447517  Wed, 28 Nov 07 07:10 PM It cannot be called a "possession" but you DO use the possessive. My ability to learn quickly is an asset. The body's ability to fight off disease is... John's ability to always see the humor in things is a blessing.    Grammar Geek Joined on Tue, Jan 10 2006 Pennsylvania, USA Veteran Member (15,595) Barbara, who answers in American English.
Apostrophes, Possessives