"families'" vs "family's"

Question

"families'" vs "family's"

Both "family's" and "families'" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Family's" is the possessive form of the singular noun "family," indicating something belonging to one family. On the other hand, "families'" is the possessive form of the plural noun "families," indicating something belonging to multiple families.

Last Updated: March 29, 2024

Use "families'" when you want to show possession or belonging of something to more than one family.

Examples:

The families' children play together.
We are going to the families' picnic.
The families' traditions vary greatly.
The families' houses are all different.
The families' decision was unanimous.

Alternatives:

the children of the families
the picnic of the families
the traditions of the families
the houses of the families
the decision of the families

Use "family's" when you want to show possession or belonging of something to a single family.

Examples:

The family's house is beautiful.
I am going to the family's reunion.
The family's car broke down.
She is the family's spokesperson.
The family's traditions are important to them.

Alternatives:

the house of the family
the reunion of the family
the car of the family
the spokesperson of the family
the traditions of the family

Answer 1

families'

This is correct when referring to something belonging to multiple families.

Answer 2

family's

This is correct when referring to something belonging to one family.

"families'" vs "family's"

families'

family's

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