Hello there! I'm an expert in the field of English grammar and linguistics. I'm here to help you understand the intricacies of the English language, including the concept of plural possessive nouns.
In English, possession is indicated by adding an apostrophe followed by an "s" to a noun. This is known as the possessive case. However, the rules for forming possessive nouns can be a bit tricky when it comes to plural nouns. Let's dive into the details.
Plural Possessive Nouns
When forming the possessive case for plural nouns, there are two main scenarios to consider:

1. Plural Nouns Ending in -s
For plural nouns that already end in "s", you only add an apostrophe after the "s" to indicate possession. This is because adding an additional "s" can make the word look awkward and sound repetitive. Here are some examples:
- Buses' stop: This means the stop belonging to or associated with buses.
- Countries' borders: This refers to the borders that belong to multiple countries.

2. Plural Nouns Not Ending in -s
If a plural noun does not end in "s", you add both an apostrophe and an "s" to form the possessive case. This is because the "s" helps to indicate the plural form, and the apostrophe indicates possession. Here are some examples:
- Children's playground: This means the playground that belongs to or is used by children.
- Men's clothing: This refers to the clothing that is designed for men.

It's important to note that these rules apply to regular plural nouns. There are some irregular plural nouns that don't follow these patterns, but they are relatively few and tend to be well-known (e.g., mice, geese).

Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake people make when forming possessive plural nouns is adding an "s" where it's not needed. Remember, if the plural noun ends in "s", you only add an apostrophe. Adding an "s" after the apostrophe can make the word look incorrect.

Another mistake is failing to add an apostrophe when it's required. The apostrophe is crucial in indicating possession, so it should never be omitted.

Practical Applications
Understanding how to form possessive plural nouns is important for clear and accurate communication in English. It helps to avoid ambiguity and confusion in written and spoken language. Whether you're writing an essay, a business report, or just a casual email, using the correct possessive form can make your message more precise and professional.

In conclusion, the key to mastering the plural possessive in English is to remember the basic rules and to practice using them in different contexts. With time and practice, you'll be able to use possessive plural nouns with confidence and ease.

Now, let's move on to the translation of the explanation into Chinese.

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To make a singular noun possessive, add an apostrophe and an --s.-- This applies to plural nouns that do not end with an --s--, like children - children's and men - men's. When making plural possessive nouns, add only an apostrophe if the noun ends with an --s--, like buses' and countries'.read more >>