Question

Choose the response below that shows the appropriate use of apostrophes.

the witnesses testimonies
a.
the witness's testimonies
b.
the witnesses' testimonies
c.
the witness' testimonies

Answer 1

The only option from this list that shows the appropriate use of apostrophes would be "the witnesses' testimonies" since in this case "witnesses" is plural. 

Answer 2

Answer:

The correct answer is b. the witnesses' testimonies.

Explanation:

in the English grammar exists what is called the Saxon Genitive or Possessive 's.  It is used to indicate possession and one of the rules is that if the possessor is a regular plural noun that uses the s at the end, the apostrophe is used at the end. In this case, the noun "witnesses" is a plural noun and the S has to be placed at the end, and then comes the object that is possessed.