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Which is the correct spelling: womens, women’s, or womens?
The noun is sometimes misspelled because “women” is already plural. It’s not actually as difficult as you think!
I recently wrote a post called “Mens, Men’s or Mens’ which deals with the same question but with a different noun. Hint: the answer is the same!
The short answer:
The correct word is women’s (to show belonging or possession). There is no such spelling as womens and womens.’ We’ll explain why in a moment.
This post will examine the different meanings of each of these spellings, as well as when to use them.
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Women
We usually add an -s to make a noun plural, but not in this instance.
The plural of woman is “women.” For example, “My mom and grandma are the most important women in my life.”
The word “women” is already a plural noun! As a result, we just need to use an apostrophe + s to indicate possession.
One woman, two women, twenty women… etc.
How do you pronounce “women?”
As an English language teacher, I notice my students pronounce this word wrong all the time. “Women” is pronounced, “wi·muhn.” The stress should be placed on the first syllable.
Womens
We can’t say womens because it implies that there are many women. This is not an option, as the term “women” is already plural. The word womens is never correct.
Women’s
We can add an apostrophe and -s to the end of “women” since it is already a plural word. This allows us to form the possessive.
Women’s is the possessive form of the word “women.” The possessive form shows the connection between things. For example, “These are the women’s toilets.”
Womens’
Womens’ is not correct.
We only use an apostrophe if the word ends in -s. The possessive form of cats, for example, is cats’.
We add an apostrophe and the letter s when it does not end in s. So, for example, we say women’s instead of womens’.
Examples of Sentences with Women
Here are some example sentences with the word “women”:
- There are more women in this class than men.
- All the women in my family are tall.
- The conference is open to both men and women.
- There are a lot of famous women in history.
- The conference is for working women only.
Examples of Sentences with Women’s
Further example sentences with the word “women’s”:
- The women’s soccer team is very good.
- We went to the women’s clothing store.
- What do you think about women’s rights?
- The women’s bathroom is on the left.
- Do you have any women’s shoes in size 7?
FAQ
What is the plural of woman?
The plural of woman is “women.” We don’t add an -s to make this noun plural.
What is the difference between “woman’s” or “women’s”?
Woman is singular. Women is plural. We can say “the woman’s purse” when talking about one woman in the possessive form. We can say “women’s shoes” if talking about more than one woman in the possessive form.
Which is correct: women’s day or woman’s day?
Women’s day is the correct spelling. Women’s Day is a special day to celebrate women.
Women’s or womens restroom?
The correct spelling is women’s restroom. We need to include the apostrophe to make it possessive.
What is the possessive form of “woman”?
To make woman possessive, we add an apostrophe and s: woman’s. For example, “This is the woman’s book.”
You may also be interested in: 15 Best Online English Courses Free & Paid (2022)
In Conclusion
The word “women” is already plural, so we just need to use an apostrophe + s to indicate possession. The spelling womens is never correct.
If the noun is already plural, you just need to add an apostrophe + s (‘s) to make it possessive (women’s).
Useful Links
- No’s vs Nos vs Noes: Plural of Yes and No
- Thomas’s, Thomas’, or Thomases? Which is correct?
- Hardwork or Hard Work? Hardworking or Hard-working?
- Jones’, Jones’s or Joneses’? Which is Correct?
- Kindergarden or Kindergarten?
- Goodnight or Good Night?
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.
