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Which is correct: childrens or children’s or childrens’?
The correct grammar is “children’s.” This is the possessive form of the word, meaning that something belongs to or is associated with a group of children.
The other two forms, children’s and childrens’, are incorrect.
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See our similar example: Women’s, Womens’ or Womens: Which is Correct?
Children Meaning
The word “children” is the plural form of the word “child.” It refers to more than one child.
Plural form of the noun “cat:”
One cat, two cats, three cats…
Plural form of the noun “children:”
One child, two children, three children…
When used in the singular form, “child,” it refers to a young human being below the age of 18 (according to United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child)
When used in the plural form, “children,” it refers to more than one young human being.
Possessive Form
The possessive form is used to show that something belongs to someone or something. In order to create the possessive form of a word, we add an apostrophe and the letter “s.”
For example, the possessive form of the word “cat” would be cat’s, as in, “the cat’s tail.” This shows that the tail belongs to the cat.
The possessive form of the word “children” would be children’s, as in, “the children’s coats.” This shows that something belongs to more than one child.
Examples of Possessive Nouns in Sentences:
- This is the children’s playground. (The playground belongs to the children.)
- These are the cats’ toys. (The toys belong to the cats.)
- This is the child’s toy. (The toy belongs to the child.)
Children’s Meaning
The word children’s is the possessive form of the word “children.” It shows that something belongs to more than one child.
Examples:
- This is the children’s playground. (The playground belongs to the children.)
- These are the children’s toys. (The toys belong to the children.)
- This is a children’s book. (The book belongs to the children.)
- This is the children’s bedroom. (The bedroom belongs to the children.)
Childrens’ Meaning
The word childrens’ is the incorrect possessive form of the word “children.” It should be written as “children’s.”
The reason why we don’t write it as childrens’ is that the word “children” is a plural word that doesn’t end in s.
We add an apostrophe only when the word ends in s. For example, the word “rabbits” has an ‘s’ at the end of the plural noun. If we want to make this plural noun possessive, we just need to add an apostrophe at the end: “the rabbits’ home.”
“Children” is the plural for “child,” but it doesn’t have an ‘s.’ Therefore, we can just write children’s and not childrens.’
Childrens Meaning
The word childrens is the incorrect plural form of the word “children.” It should be written as “children.”
One child
Two children (not: childrens)
Three children (not: childrens)
When used in the plural form, “children” refers to more than one young human being.
Examples of Sentences with “Children’s”
Here are some example sentences using the word “children’s”:
- This is the children’s pool.
- These are the children’s toys.
- This is the children’s bedroom.
- The children’s parents are divorced.
- I’m going to the store to buy some children’s clothes.
- Do you have any children’s shoes in size 12?
- I’m looking for a children’s book about dragons.
Examples of Sentences with “Children”
Here are some example sentences using the word “children”:
- There are three children in the family.
- The children are playing in the backyard.
- I’m babysitting the children tonight.
- Children under the age of 18 are not allowed in this nightclub.
- All children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Please be quiet; the children are sleeping.
- The children went to the park to play.
Commonly asked Questions
Is child’s correct?
Yes, child’s is the correct possessive noun. We can say “a child’s teddy bear” to mean that the teddy bear belongs to the child.
What is the plural of childrens?
Children is the plural of “child.” We can’t say children’s.
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In Conclusion
When deciding whether to use “childrens,” “children’s,” or “childrens’,” remember that the word “children” is a plural word that doesn’t end in s. This means that the correct possessive form is “children’s.”
The incorrect possessive forms are childrens’ and childrens. The incorrect plural form is childrens.
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Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.