Which possessive form correctly indicates joint ownership by two people (such as Allen and Gates) of their company?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $9.99Unlock all

Master the InQuizitive Editing Errors Test. Study with engaging quizzes and detailed explanations. Sharpen your editing skills and ace your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which possessive form correctly indicates joint ownership by two people (such as Allen and Gates) of their company?

Explanation:
When two people share ownership, place the possessive after the last name to show joint ownership. So the correct form is “Allen and Gates’s company,” indicating one company owned by both Allen and Gates together. Putting possessives after both names (Allen’s and Gates’s) suggests two separate owners or two things, not one jointly owned item. The version that places the possessive after the final name cleanly signals that the company belongs to both people.

When two people share ownership, place the possessive after the last name to show joint ownership. So the correct form is “Allen and Gates’s company,” indicating one company owned by both Allen and Gates together. Putting possessives after both names (Allen’s and Gates’s) suggests two separate owners or two things, not one jointly owned item. The version that places the possessive after the final name cleanly signals that the company belongs to both people.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy