woman rollerblading and man skateboarding

This is Lucy and Cesar. Cesar is Lucy's brother.

He's a college student.

Lucy's a server.

Apostrophe + 's'

Sometimes, an apostrophe + 's' means is:

She's a bank teller.

John's sitting in his office.

Where's Carlos?

How's the weather today?

  • It's foggy.

We also use 's to show possession:

My sister's name is Jennifer.

Susan's nationality is Canadian.

Michael's dog's name is Rex.

Laura and Jim's house is beautiful.

We can use of + a place or thing to show possession. It has the same meaning as an apostrophe + 's':

  • The name of the street is Main Street.
    • The street's name is Main Street.
  • The leaves of the tree are falling.
    • The tree's leaves are falling.
  • The food of the restaurant is delicious.
    • The restaurant's food is delicious.

However, it is not common to use of + a person to show possession:

  • The car of my brother is new.
    • My brother's car is new.
  • The class of Peter has many students.
    • Peter's class has many students.
  • The dog of the boy is friendly.
    • The boy's dog is friendly.

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