Hello there! As a language expert with a deep understanding of English grammar and syntax, I'm here to help clarify any doubts you may have. Let's dive into the intricacies of possessive nouns and how they function in the English language.
When we talk about possessive nouns, we're referring to nouns that show ownership or some form of relationship between two entities. In English, there are specific rules that dictate how to form possessive nouns, and these rules can sometimes be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to singular and plural nouns.

**Step 1: Understanding Singular and Plural Possessive Nouns**

Firstly, let's establish the basic rule for making a singular noun possessive. As you've mentioned, when a singular noun is possessive, we add an apostrophe followed by an "s" to the end of the word. For example, "child" becomes "child's" when we want to indicate that something belongs to the child.

However, when it comes to plural nouns, the rule can vary slightly. If a plural noun already ends with an "s," we typically just add an apostrophe at the end of the word to make it possessive. For instance, "dogs" becomes "dogs'" to show possession.

Now, let's address the specific question about the word "children." "Children" is indeed a plural noun, and according to the general rule for plural nouns not ending with an "s," we would add an apostrophe and an "s" to make it possessive. Thus, "children" becomes "children's" when we want to express possession.

It's important to note that the rules for possessive nouns can sometimes be subject to regional variations and personal preferences. However, the rule of adding an apostrophe and an "s" to a plural noun that does not end with an "s" is widely accepted and taught in English grammar.

**Step 2: The Nuances of "Children's"**

The word "children" is unique in that it is an irregular plural form of the singular noun "child." This irregularity can sometimes lead to confusion when forming the possessive form. Despite the irregularity, the possessive form "children's" follows the same rule as other plural nouns that do not end with an "s."

Using "children's" in a sentence can have various meanings. For example, "This is the children's playground" could mean the playground belongs to the children or is designated for their use. Alternatively, it could also mean the playground is a place where children's activities or interests are focused.

**Step 3: Common Mistakes and Clarifications**

One common mistake people make is confusing the possessive form with the plural form. For example, someone might incorrectly write "childs" instead of "children" when referring to more than one child. It's crucial to remember that "children" is already the plural form, and "child" is the singular form.

Another point of confusion can arise with collective nouns, which can be tricky because they refer to a group as a single entity. For instance, "The team's victory" could mean the victory belongs to the team as a whole, whereas "The team are arriving" uses a plural verb form to indicate that the members of the team are arriving individually.

Conclusion

In conclusion, to make a singular noun possessive, you add an apostrophe and an "s." For plural nouns not ending with an "s," like "children," you also add an apostrophe and an "s" to form the possessive case, resulting in "children's." Understanding these rules and their exceptions is key to mastering English grammar and using possessive nouns correctly.

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

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These include the rules for making a plural possessive noun. 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.read more >>