Tom's and Peter's games

Question

Tom's sister doesn't like Tom's and Peter's games.

Tom's sister doesn't like Tom and Peter's games.

Which of them is correct if Tom's sister doesn't like the games of them both?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi Nila!

This is called a compound possessive in English and can be tricky. If the nouns are working together, only use an apostrophe on the last noun. If they are working separately, they both need an apostrophe.

Por ejemplo:

I love visiting Joe and Maria's house. (They own the house together.)

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Joe's and Maria's new homes are both beautiful. (They each own their own home.)

In your sentence, it is not clear to me whether Tom and Peter each have their own game(s) or if the games are something shared. But either way, follow the above rule and you should be able to answer your question.

Very nice, Nicole :) - Izanoni1, Nov 5, 2011

:) - Nicole-B, Nov 5, 2011

Answer 2

The second one is right. As well as this, surely the first phrase would be Tom's or Peter's games

Good point. It should be or in this case. - Nicole-B, Nov 5, 2011

Not in all cases, but definitely in Nila's sentence. - Nicole-B, Nov 5, 2011

Answer 3

From what I've learned, the second one is correct, Nila. When using a possessive, make sure the "'s" goes on the last noun.

Answer 4

I agree with sonrisa that the second one is right.