ESL General English Grammar Questions

Re: Using Possessives: Apostrophe "s" here?

english maven — Thu, 29 May 2008 03:36:31 GMT

They do not require an apostrophe, since they are not possessive.

Re: Using Possessives: Apostrophe "s" here?

Mister Micawber — Thu, 29 May 2008 03:34:00 GMT

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The facilities do not belong to the seniors, but are merely used by them. I suggest avoiding apostrophes by using senior care facilities and basic skills issues. The first is concerned with senior care and the second is concerned with basic skills.

Using Possessives: Apostrophe "s" here?

Anonymous — Thu, 29 May 2008 03:09:59 GMT

Hi There:

Is it "seniors care facilities" and "basic skills issues" or "seniors' care facilties" and "basic skills' issues"? I'm confused about the use of the apostrophe here. I don't think they require apostrophes, but i can't articulate exactly why. But wouldn't it be like using "David's pencil" in the sense that the care facilities belong to the seniors?

Thanks for your help.

Tara