Writing · Free lesson
Drivers’ lockers: possessives with plural owners
Several drivers have lockers in the room. Your label needs to show whose lockers they are.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
First write the plural owner. If it ends in s, add only an apostrophe: drivers → drivers’ lockers. If it does not end in s, add ’s: children → children’s coats. The apostrophe does not make the noun plural.
Make the owner plural first. Then mark possession.
Drivers already means more than one driver. Add an apostrophe after its final s to show possession. Children is already plural too, but it has no final s, so its possessive is children’s. The number of lockers or coats is a separate choice.
Compare the examples
the driver’s locker
the drivers’ lockers
the children’s coats
Several owners can share one thing: the drivers’ room.
Build the meaning step by step
Write the owners
driver → drivers; child → children
Check the last letter
drivers’ lockers; children’s coats
Try it now
Check the owners
Read all answers and explanations
Several drivers own these bags. Choose the possessive phrase.
the drivers’ bagsDrivers is plural and ends in s, so add only an apostrophe. Driver’s would name one owner.
The coats belong to several children.
the children’s coatsChildren is already plural and has no final s. Add ’s; do not invent childrens.
Count people without showing possession: There are three ___ outside.
driversA plain plural needs no ownership apostrophe.
Put it into practice
Fix the two signs
The room is used by several drivers. The coats belong to several children. Keep both groups plural.
Driver’s room. Childrens’ coats.
See a model answer
Drivers’ room. Children’s coats.
One room does not mean one driver. Find the owners in the stated situation.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Can several owners have one thing?
Yes. The plural possessive describes the owners, while the following noun describes the thing.
the drivers’ room
Why not childrens’?
Children is already the plural of child. Its possessive adds ’s to that complete plural form.
the children’s coats
Take it into your day
Drivers → drivers’. Children → children’s.
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