1. Wickedstorm

    Wickedstorm New Member

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    Having some issues with 's

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by Wickedstorm, Nov 26, 2012.

    So I am working on a scene in my novel I am writing and I am having issues with the possessive 's.

    I have a none standard name that I have had to add to my Dictionary on Microsoft Word, the name is Harika. I am reffering to a body part of hers being affected by another person. IE

    "Felicity scratched Harikas arm."

    I am not sure if it is supposed to be Harika's or Harikas help please.
     
  2. Thumpalumpacus

    Thumpalumpacus Alive in the Superunknown

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    Apostrophes denote possession when used with a singular noun: "Harika's dress," "Dad's long, greasy hair," "the ship's list increased to nineteen degrees." This answers your immediate question.

    If the singular noun is a proper name that ends in "s", it still gets an apostrophe-s possessive tense: "Doris's raincoat was torn."

    If it is not a proper noun and it ends in s, no "s" -- only apostrophe: "the windlass' axle broke, and the line went taut." (Although I'd use "The axle on the windlass", myself.)

    A plural noun not ending in "s" also gets the apostrophe-s for possessiveness: "The children's room was a mess."

    The apostrophe is omitted in possessive pronouns (yours, ours, its, his, hers, theirs).
     
  3. Wickedstorm

    Wickedstorm New Member

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    Thank you so much, this helped a lot. :-D
     
  4. Thumpalumpacus

    Thumpalumpacus Alive in the Superunknown

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    My pleasure. :)
     
  5. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

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    short answer... your name needs [ 's ] to make it a possessive...
     

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