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Possessive apostrophes

Do inanimate objects require possessive apostrophes? Eg, the boots' shoelaces came undone.
I think they do but the grammar books I have read only give examples of living things when it comes to the possessive apostrophe.

Re: Possessive apostrophes

I've figured it out. The answer is, essentially, 'yes'.

Re: Possessive apostrophes


You're right. Be aware though that many nouns have adjectives that don't require the apostrophe. E.g. Sports shoes, overseas task.

Also, lots of nouns just don't need it. In your example, you would just say boot laces as opposed to boots' laces. So, it's car seat not car's seats etc. I suspect you knew that.

This possession lark doesn't have to be very tangible either; for example, a stone's throw, a month's notice, 3 days' pay.

It's a good question.