Question

What is the distinction between "friends'" and "friend's" and when should I use each one?

2023-04-18

This is what goPenpal answered

Of course! The difference between "friends'" and "friend's" is actually pretty simple, but it's easy to mix them up. Essentially, "friends'" is a plural possessive, while "friend's" is a singular possessive.

To break it down further, when you use "friends'," you are indicating that something belongs to a group of friends. For example, if you say "my friends' favorite restaurant," you're talking about a restaurant that is popular among your group of friends.

On the other hand, "friend's" is indicating that something belongs to a single friend. For example, if you say "my friend's car," you're talking about a specific car that belongs to one of your friends.

It's important to keep this distinction in mind because using the wrong one can change the meaning of what you're trying to say. For example, if you say "my friend's favorite restaurant" instead of "my friends' favorite restaurant," it would imply that only one friend has a favorite restaurant, rather than the group.

So, to sum up: use "friends'" when referring to something that belongs to a group of friends, and "friend's" when referring to something belonging to a single friend.

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