The term student’s is a standard singular possessive form for the term student. Use it when referring to something that belongs to one student, e.g., “The student’s notebook was left on the desk.” Furthermore, “students’” is a plural possessive for the term student. Use it when talking about something that belongs to more than one student, e.g., “The students’ projects are on display.
“Student” is the standard singular form and does not indicate possession or ownership but can be used as an adjective together with a verb, e.g., “Student achievements are celebrated annually.”
Let’s explore some different forms of the term students and their examples.
| Form | Example |
| Singular | Student |
| Plural | Students |
| Singular possessive | Student’s |
| Plural Possessive | Students’ |
Look At the examples of each of the above forms in context;
Singular: Listen to what the student says for insight.
Plural: We have enrolled several students in the program.
Singular possessive: Prepare a report on the student’s progress.
Plural Possessive: Assess the students’ understanding of the topic.
The term student is the standard form. It can also be used as an adjective, which is often confused with its possessive forms.
Example: “We appreciate student contributions to community projects.”
However, on its own alone, it’s neither a singular nor a plural possessive form. Let’s explore more examples on the other forms so you won’t make a mistake using them in the future.
Students
This is the standard plural for the term student. Use it when referring to more than one student.
Example:
- Pay attention to the students for any questions or concerns they might have.
Student’s:
Student’s is the singular possessive form for the term student. Use it when talking about something that belongs to one student.
- The student’s essay received high praise.
- Please check the student’s attendance record.
- The student’s project was selected for the exhibition.
Students’
This is the standard plural possessive form for the term students. It indicates that something belongs to more than one student.
Examples:
- Review the students’ assignments for grading.
- Collect the students’ textbooks at the end of the semester.
- Provide feedback on the students’ presentations.
Which one is correct to say “the student project” or “the student’s project?” Both are correct, but there is a difference in meaning depending on the context.
When we say “the student’s project” with a possessive form, it means the project belongs to a specific student, probably the one we’re talking about. If there are many students, it becomes “the student’ project.”
In the phrase “student project,” the word “student” is like an adjective describing the type of project. The word “the” suggests a specific project, but the adjective “student” doesn’t tell us which student.
It could mean a project by a student, projects by students, a project for students, something on behalf of students, or something related to students in general.
