We normally use -‘s for people, animals, or places:
Remember that for plural nouns we use s + apostrophe, -s’:
For things, ideas etc., we normally use of:
We also say the beginning/middle/end of; the top/bottom of; the front/back/side of:
Both -‘s and of can be used for an organization:
- Liz’s computer isn’t working.
- Those aren’t my sneakers. They’re my sister’s.
- The dog’s food bowl is empty.
- New York City’s crime rate is at an all time low.
- Have you seen the headline on the front page of today’s newspaper?
- Santa Barbara is about an hour’s drive from Los Angeles.
Remember that for plural nouns we use s + apostrophe, -s’:
- My brothers’ wives are very nice. (two or more brothers)
- The cats’ toys are in the box. (two or more cats)
- I have three months’ vacation.
For things, ideas etc., we normally use of:
- The price of a university education in The U.S. is extremely high. (NOT the university education’s price)
- The color of his shirt is the same as his shoes. (NOT the shirt’s color)
- The source of her depression comes from a failing marriage. (NOT her depression’s source)
We also say the beginning/middle/end of; the top/bottom of; the front/back/side of:
- I was in the middle of cleaning my house when you called.
- Jim’s house is at the top of the hill.
- Did you see the coat hanger on the back of the door?
Both -‘s and of can be used for an organization:
- The company’s failure was due to overspending. (OR the failure of the company)
- It was the decision of the university Council to fire the professor. (OR the Council’s decision)