The word teacher’s is the singular possessive form of teacher. E.g., “The teacher’s desk is tidy.” Furthermore, teachers’ is the plural possessive form. E.g., “The teachers’ lounge is on the first floor.” Also, teachers is the standard plural of teacher. E.g., “The teachers attended the conference.”
The following chart provides a summary of the different forms of teacher.
| Form | Example Sentence |
| Singular | Teacher |
| Plural | Teachers |
| Singular possessive | Teacher’s |
| Plural possessive | Teachers’ |
You can make the plural form by adding an “s” to teacher.
Furthermore, you can make the singular possessive by inserting an apostrophe and an “s” after teacher. In comparison, the plural possessive is made by adding an apostrophe to the end of teachers.
In the following examples, you can see the different forms of the word teacher in context:
- Singular: The teacher will explain the assignment.
- Plural: The teachers planned the school event together.
- Singular possessive: The teacher’s lesson was very engaging.
- Plural possessive: The teachers’ meeting was scheduled for Monday.
The difference between the singular and plural possessives is that we are talking about one teacher in the singular possessive sentence. However, in the plural possessive sentence, we are talking about something that belongs to multiple teachers.
Now you have learned the basics of how to use the possessive forms of teacher. However, you should keep reading so you can learn more about each form and how to use them.
Teacher’s
The word teacher’s is the singular possessive of the word teacher. Therefore, you use it when you want to say that something belongs to one teacher.
You can mention things that are a physical part of a teacher or part of her/his character.
- The teacher’s voice was calm and reassuring.
- Our teacher’s approach to education is very innovative.
Teachers’
The word teachers’ is the plural possessive of teacher. Therefore, you use it when you want to indicate that something belongs to multiple teachers.
The plural possessive can refer to physical objects owned by teachers, as well as things like results or opinions.
- The teachers’ recommendations were implemented by the school board.
- Someone cleaned the teachers’ supply closet over the weekend.
Furthermore, the term teachers’ can also refer to spaces explicitly designed for teachers, as well as periods of time that teachers spend without students.
- The teachers’ lounge has new furniture.
- They organized a teachers’ workshop on professional development.
Teachers
The term teachers is the standard plural of the word teacher. Therefore, you use it when you want to talk about more than one teacher in non-possessive sentences.
You can use the plural version to mention a specific number of teachers.
- Five teachers received awards for their excellence in teaching.
Also, you can use it to refer to all teachers in a general sense.
- Teachers often spend extra hours preparing their lessons.
