A few days ago
Dan L

pronunciation of apostrophe?

how do you pronounce a possessive plural word? e.i boys’

do you pronounce it as boys cars or boyses (not correct grammar just used to show pronunciation) cars.

Top 8 Answers
A few days ago
Arby

Favorite Answer

boys – plural for boy

boy’s – possessive for one boy

boys’ – possessive for more than one boy

They sound identical when one says them. The listener has to figure it out from context (the larger meaning of the sentence).

Chris – one kid with the name

Chrises – more than one kid with the name

Chris’s – belongs to one kid named Chris

Chrises’ – belongs to several kids all named Chris

The last three are pronounced as two syllables, and sound identical when spoken.

0

A few days ago
Anonymous
If more than one boy (boys) had a car then it would be spelled: boys’. For example, all three boys’ cars won the competition.

It would be pronounced just like the plural: boys, not “boyses” (although I like it!).

0

A few days ago
wendy r
You just pronounce it “boys”.

The added “z” sound at the end is when it is the saxon genitive of a singular ending in s, not plural. And even then, it’s sometimes tricky because it doesn’t always sound right.

For instance:

Q: who does this book belong to?

A: It’s James’ (pronounced Jamses) — ok

At least…I think!

0

A few days ago
Laurabelle
I would pronounce it boys. “Thanks for inviting me to watch football practice. Look how muddy the boys’ jerseys are!” The only time I pronounce it with 2 “s” sounds is when the word naturally ends in an “s”. For example, my best friend in high school’s last name was Thomas. “Mom, I’m going over to the Thomas’s! Be back for dinner!” In that case I would pronounce it with 2 “s” sounds.
0

A few days ago
mdscates
Boys
0

A few days ago
True Blue Brit
I’m not sure I read you right, but it is as the plural – boy’s is pronounced boys.

I think if the word ends in an “s” as in “Jesus” that you add the “-es” sound.

However, I stand to be corrected on this.

1

A few days ago
mi
boys not boyses
0

A few days ago
Anonymous
i guess its onli boys….not boyses…tht sounds wrong…
0