16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsVery hardApostrophe with a plural possessive and a following gerund

Standard English Conventions practice question

The ____ objecting to the route did not stop the survey.

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

  1. A. landowners'Correct
  2. B. landowners
  3. C. landowner's
  4. D. landowners's

Answer: A. landowners'

It is the objecting of several landowners: a plural possessive before the gerund.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. landowners
'Landowners objecting' makes 'landowners' the subject and leaves 'did not stop' without one.
C. landowner's
'Landowner's' is singular, but several landowners are meant.
D. landowners's
Not a form.

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