Which term describes punctuation used to indicate possession, as shown in 'cow's nose' and 'cows' noses'?

Which term describes punctuation used to indicate possession, as shown in 'cow's nose' and 'cows' noses'?

• A. Apostrophes
• B. Commas
• C. Semicolons
• D. Colons

Answer: (A)

Punctuation used to show ownership is the apostrophe. In “cow's nose,” the apostrophe plus s marks that the nose belongs to the cow. When plural possessive is shown as “cows' noses,” you keep the plural form and place the apostrophe after the s to show that the noses belong to the cows. The other marks—commas, semicolons, and colons—do not indicate possession; they serve other functions like separating items, joining related ideas, or introducing lists. So apostrophes are the tool for showing possession in these examples.

Punctuation used to show ownership is the apostrophe. In “cow's nose,” the apostrophe plus s marks that the nose belongs to the cow. When plural possessive is shown as “cows' noses,” you keep the plural form and place the apostrophe after the s to show that the noses belong to the cows. The other marks—commas, semicolons, and colons—do not indicate possession; they serve other functions like separating items, joining related ideas, or introducing lists. So apostrophes are the tool for showing possession in these examples.