The word member’s is the singular possessive form of member. E.g., “The member’s card was lost.” Furthermore, members’ is the plural possessive form. E.g., “The members’ meeting was scheduled for Thursday.” Also, members is the standard plural of member. E.g., “The members voted on the new policy.”
The following chart provides a summary of the different forms of member.
| Form | Example Sentence |
| Singular | Member |
| Plural | Members |
| Singular possessive | Member’s |
| Plural possessive | Members’ |
You can make the plural form by adding an “s” to member.
Furthermore, you can make the singular possessive by inserting an apostrophe and an “s” after member. In comparison, the plural possessive is made by adding an apostrophe to the end of members.
In the following examples, you can see the different forms of the word member in context:
- Singular: The member attended the event.
- Plural: The members gathered in the hall.
- Singular possessive: The member’s speech was inspiring.
- Plural possessive: The members’ contributions were acknowledged.
The difference between the singular and plural possessives is that we are talking about one member in the singular possessive sentence. However, in the plural possessive sentence, we are talking about something that belongs to multiple members.
Now you have learned the basics of how to use the possessive forms of member. However, you should keep reading so you can learn more about each form and how to use them.
Member’s
The word member’s is the singular possessive of the word member. Therefore, you use it when you want to say that something belongs to one member.
You can mention things that are a physical part of a member or part of their belongings.
- The member’s badge was found on the floor.
- Our member’s enthusiasm is contagious.
Members’
The word members’ is the plural possessive of member. Therefore, you use it when you want to indicate that something belongs to multiple members.
The plural possessive can refer to physical objects owned by members, as well as things like ideas or contributions.
- The members’ proposals were considered in the meeting.
- Someone collected the members’ dues for the month.
Furthermore, the term members’ can also refer to events or spaces explicitly designed for members, as well as periods of time that members spend together.
- The members’ lounge was renovated recently.
- They organized a members’ retreat to build camaraderie.
Members
The term members is the standard plural of the word member. Therefore, you use it when you want to talk about more than one member in non-possessive sentences.
You can use the plural version to mention a specific number of members.
- Fifty members attended the annual gala.
Also, you can use it to refer to all members in a general sense.
- Members are encouraged to participate actively in the club’s activities.
