When to Use 'Students', 'Student's', and 'Students' in English

In English, the forms 'students', 'student's', and 'students' are used to refer to different grammatical structures. Understanding these differences correctly is crucial for clear communication. This guide will explain how to use each form and provide examples to illustrate their proper usage.

1. Using 'Students'

'Students' is generally used in two contexts: when referring to plural subjects or when indicating plural possessive:

Plural Subject: Use 'students' to refer to more than one person. For example: The students are studying for their exams. Plural Possessive: Use 'students' to indicate possession by multiple individuals. For example: The students' projects were displayed in the hallway.

2. Using 'Student's'

'Student's' is used to indicate singular possession. It is a possessive form that refers to one student's property or attributes:

Singular Possessive: Use 'student's' to refer to the property belonging to one individual student. For example: The student's book has been lost. Note: This form is used for singular nouns only, meaning if you are talking about two or more students, you should use the plural possessive 'students'.

3. Using 'Students'

In some cases, 'student's' is written as 'students’ for stylistic or consistency purposes, especially when multiple instances are written together. Here are some examples:

Plural Possessive: Use 'students' to refer to the property belonging to multiple students. For example: The students’ courses are available online. Stylistic Consistency: For writing style consistency, you might use 'students' (without the apostrophe) for plural possessives. For example: The students’ names are listed in the announcement.

Examples and Practical Usage

Here are some practical examples to help you apply the proper form in different contexts:

1. Multiple Students

There are many/lots of students going to university next year. - This sentence refers to more than one student.

2. Singular Possessive

The student’s book has been lost. It means the book of one student has been lost.

3. Plural Possessive

The students’ courses are available online. It means the courses of the students are available online.

4. Usage of ‘s

To further expand your understanding, here are some examples of singular and plural possessives:

The new student's name is Althea. Singular possessive adjective. The student's report is ready. Singular possessive adjective. The student's chair is broken. Singular possessive adjective. The student's Maths ability is outstanding. Singular possessive adjective. The student's computer is very old and slow. Singular possessive adjective. The foreign student's command of the English language is excellent. Singular possessive adjective. That student's money disappeared from his locker. Singular possessive adjective. The student's analytical skills are better than the class average. Singular possessive adjective. The student's backpack was lost at the soccer game. Singular possessive adjective. The student's name was not on the class list. Singular possessive adjective. The student's homework was handed in late. Singular possessive adjective.

In these examples, 'student's' is used to indicate that what follows belongs to a single student:

The students' exam scores were all outstanding. Plural possessive adjective. The students' artwork were on display in the gallery. Plural possessive adjective. The new students' names are Eric and Anthony. Plural possessive adjective.

Here, 'students' is used, indicating that what follows belongs to multiple students:

The students' answers were all the same. Plural possessive adjective. The students' backpacks were removed. Plural possessive adjective. The students' interpretations were all different. Plural possessive adjective. The students' grades were posted on the wall. Plural possessive adjective. The students' scholarship differed depending on their contributions and achievements. Plural possessive adjective. The students' participation were acknowledged. Plural possessive adjective.

Usage in Sentences

Here are a few more examples to solidify the correct usage:

The students did well on their tests. Plural noun. All the students objected to the new rules. Plural noun. APU gives athletic scholarships to students with athletic achievements. Plural noun. Students flocked from all over the world to attend American universities. Plural noun. Some students overstay their student visas. Plural noun. How many students are enrolled at your school? Plural noun. I want to give all my students a grade for regular attendance. Plural noun. Some students select colleges according to party scenes. Plural noun. Medical students were forced to take a gap year during COVID because there was no practical training. Plural noun. Students aren’t focused during online classes. Plural noun. Sports students were unable to participate in sporting activities. Plural noun.

In summary, understanding the differences between 'students', 'student's', and 'students' is essential for clear communication. Proper usage helps in avoiding ambiguity and ensures your text is easily understood by your readers.