Sister’s or Sisters’ or Sisters?

A sister’s date of birth refers to the birthday of one sister. For example, “My sister’s date of birth is June 10th.” The apostrophe before s shows possession. If you’re talking about multiple sisters, use sisters’. 

For example, “My sisters’ dates of birth are in March and July.” Here, the apostrophe after s shows that the birth dates belong to more than one sister. Use sisters (without an apostrophe) when referring to siblings in general, like “My sisters are twins.”

Understanding the Basics of Apostrophes

Apostrophes in English serve two main purposes: possession and contractions. In this guide, we focus on possessive apostrophes.

• Singular possessive: Used when one person owns something.
  • Example: The cat’s toy (one cat, one toy)
• Plural possessive: Used when multiple people own something.
  • Example: The cats’ toys (multiple cats, multiple toys)

Understanding these rules will help you correctly use sister, sister’s, and sisters’ in sentences.

Sister: The Plural Form

The word sisters is the plural form of “sister.” It does not indicate possession.

Example Sentences:

• My sisters love going on trips together.
• Both of my sisters are visiting this weekend.

This form is used when referring to multiple sisters without ownership.

Sister’s: The Singular Possessive Form

When something belongs to one sister, use sister’s.

Example Sentences:

• My sister’s book is on the table.
• I borrowed my sister’s dress for the party.

Here, the apostrophe before the “s” shows ownership by a single sister.

Sisters’: The Plural Possessive Form

If something belongs to more than one sister, use sisters’.

Example Sentences:

• My sisters’ room is always neat and organized.
• The sisters’ project won first place in the competition.

In these cases, the apostrophe after the “s” shows multiple sisters sharing ownership.

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Possessive Form of Sister: Real-World Scenarios

Scenario 1: Borrowing Your Sister’s Clothes

If you borrow clothes from one sister, you would say:

• “I wore my sister’s jacket to school.”

Scenario 2: Discussing Multiple Sisters’ Vacation Plans

If multiple sisters are planning a trip, you would say:

• “My sisters’ vacation is scheduled for next month.”

Scenario 3: Talking About Sisters in General

When discussing siblings without possession, use:

• “My sisters always support each other.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Confusing plural and possessive forms
   • Incorrect: “My sister’s are coming over.”
   • Correct: “My sisters are coming over.”
2. Placing the apostrophe incorrectly
   • Incorrect: “My sisters’s house is nearby.”
   • Correct: “My sisters’ house is nearby.”

Apostrophes and Their Importance in Possession

Correct apostrophe use ensures clarity. Consider:

• My sister’s painting won first prize. (One sister, one painting)
• My sisters’ paintings were displayed at the gallery. (Multiple sisters, multiple paintings)

Getting apostrophes right avoids confusion and enhances writing clarity.

Final Thoughts on Sister’s, Sisters’, and Sisters

• Use sister’s for one sister owning something.
• Use sisters’ for multiple sisters owning something.
• Use sisters when referring to more than one sister without possession.

Mastering these small grammar rules will improve your writing and communication skills.

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Table Showing All the Possessive Forms Mentioned Above:

Form	Description	Example
Sister	Singular noun (one sister, no possession)	My sister is an excellent cook.
Sisters	Plural noun (multiple sisters, no possession)	My sisters love watching movies.
Sister’s	Singular possessive (one sister owns something)	My sister’s phone is charging.
Sisters’	Plural possessive (multiple sisters own something)	My sisters’ room is always clean.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between sister’s and sisters’?

Sister’s refers to one sister owning something.

When should I use sisters?

Use sisters when referring to more than one sister without showing possession.

Is it correct to say sisters?

No, the correct plural possessive form is sisters’, not sisters.

How do I use sister’s in a sentence?

Example: “My sister’s favorite color is blue.”

How do I use ‘sisters’ in a sentence?

Example: “My sisters’ school is near our house.”

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between sister’s, sisters’, and sisters is crucial for clear communication. Whether you’re talking about one sister, multiple sisters, or ownership, using the correct form prevents confusion.

Keep this guide handy to ensure you’re always using the right form. Mastering apostrophe rules will make your writing clearer and more professional!