16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsMediumApostrophe in a plural possessive ending in s

Standard English Conventions practice question

The ____ nests under the pier are counted every spring.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  1. A. swallows'Correct
  2. B. swallow's
  3. C. swallows
  4. D. swallows's

Answer: A. swallows'

Many swallows own the nests: plural 'swallows' plus an apostrophe.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. swallow's
'Swallow's' is one bird.
C. swallows
'Swallows nests' shows no possession.
D. swallows's
'Swallows's' is not standard.

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