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What is the Difference Between a Possessive Noun and a Noun?

Published in Grammar 1 min read

A possessive noun shows ownership or possession, while a regular noun simply names a person, place, thing, or idea.

Here's a breakdown of the key differences:

Possessive Nouns

  • Show ownership: They indicate that something belongs to someone or something.
  • Use an apostrophe: They typically use an apostrophe to mark possession.
  • Examples: the dog's bone, the children's toys, the company's profits.

Regular Nouns

  • Name things: They simply identify a person, place, thing, or idea.
  • Don't show ownership: They don't indicate possession.
  • Examples: dog, children, company.

Here's a table to illustrate the difference:

Noun Type Example Meaning
Possessive Noun The dog's bone The bone belongs to the dog.
Regular Noun Dog A canine animal.

Understanding the difference between possessive nouns and regular nouns is crucial for writing clear and grammatically correct sentences.

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