Teams, Team’s, or Teams’? (Possessive Explained)

The possessive form presents an interesting problem for most people when learning English. Thankfully, it’s not as hard as it might seem at first. This article will explain all you need to know about the possessive form of “teams.”

Teams, Team’s, or Teams’: Which Is The Correct Possessive Form?

You can use “team’s” as the correct possessive form. It works when you’re referring to a singular “team” owning an object. “Teams'” is also correct as the possessive form. This time, it refers to the plural form, meaning many “teams” own an object.

Here’s a helpful table that should clear things up:

Singular	Team
Plural	Teams
Singular possessive	Team’s
Plural possessive	Teams’

Working out the possessive form is actually fairly simple for most nouns. “Teams” is one of the easier ones to figure out.

To create the singular possessive form, you only need to add an apostrophe and an “S” to the end of the singular word “team.” This shows that one team owns an object.

With the plural possessive form, we can remove the “S” after the apostrophe. Since the plural form already has an “S” (“teams”), we do not include another one at the end of it.

Teams

“Teams” is the plural form. There is no possession involved when we use this form. Instead, we simply use it to refer to multiple teams for one reason or another. It’s a good way to show that you are a part of many teams.

1. Are there any new teams that are worth a follow? I want to keep up with the news around here.
2. I want to be on the teams, but I don’t know if I’ll fit in at all. Oh well, at least the offer was there.
3. Which teams are you a part of? I want to try and join one, but I’m not sure they’ll have me.
4. I have a few teams on this list that might need a bit of extra guidance. Would you like me to give it to you?
5. Which teams are going to be the best suited to this problem? I want this issue fixed ASAP.
6. My teams always work the hardest. I’m proud of the people I work with, and I want to show them that I care.

We do not include any apostrophes when we use “teams” in this way. It is unnecessary because we are not looking for the possessive form. The plural form only adds an “S” to the singular “team.”

Team’s

The first possessive form is the singular possessive form. We use “team’s” when referring to a single team owning one or many objects. The object is a noun that comes directly after “team’s.” This helps us to understand how they’re connected.

1. The team’s issue is that nobody wants to play the game correctly. I wish they would try a little harder.
2. My team’s trophy is in the balance. I’m not sure how they’re going to keep it going forward.
3. The team’s spirit is low. There must be something we can do to make sure it comes back up again.
4. The team’s morale is higher than ever! I’m so grateful to be a part of a team that appreciates each other like this.
5. Isn’t the team’s review coming up soon? You should make sure that you’re prepared for it before that happens.
6. The team’s answer is to sack the manager. I’m sure there are more appropriate things they could do.

Human beings aren’t the only things that can possess nouns or objects in sentences. We can allow other nouns and items to possess nouns themselves, as long as it makes sense for the context.

Teams’

“Teams'” is the plural possessive form. It’s not as common as the singular possessive form because there are less instances where we might need to refer to multiple teams owning the same object (or a group of similar objects).

1. Both of the teams’ coaches needed to have words with each other. It was very awkward to watch.
2. Many of the teams’ points had to be deducted for foul play. That was a shame for my squad.
3. All of the teams’ players met up to discuss what they were going to do for the charity drive.
4. Both of the teams’ employees worked toward the project in harmony. It was great to see.
5. I think all of the teams’ best guys should be put on the case. It’s going to make sure things get done correctly.
6. Aren’t all of the teams’ members going to have a difficult time adjusting to this?

While uncommon, it’s still possible to use the plural possessive form correctly. We recommend you learn the differences between the singular and plural forms to make sure you don’t get it wrong.

Quiz: Have You Mastered Teams, Team’s, or Teams’?

1. I think you should look at the (A. teams / B. team’s / C. teams’) ideas before you decide to ignore them.
2. I want both of the (A. teams / B. team’s / C. teams’) leaders to come to my office to discuss these issues.
3. Many of the (A. teams / B. team’s / C. teams’) coaches have been told they can’t keep doing these things.
4. I support quite a few (A. teams / B. team’s / C. teams’) for many reasons. Is that okay?
5. I want the (A. teams / B. team’s / C. teams’) to work together better. That’s what’s most important to me.
6. The (A. teams / B. team’s / C. teams’) workrate is lower than before. We need to fix that.
7. Isn’t the (A. teams / B. team’s / C. teams’) morale the most important thing here? I think that’s where priorities should be.
8. You’ll notice that both of the (A. teams / B. team’s / C. teams’) members are having a tough time with each other.
9. My (A. teams / B. team’s / C. teams’) side is going to get relegated! That’s such a shame!
10. Are you a part of any interesting (A. teams / B. team’s / C. teams’) at work?

Quiz answers

1. B
2. C
3. C
4. A
5. A
6. B
7. B
8. C
9. B
10. A

Final Thoughts

“Team’s” and “teams'” are both correct as the possessive form. The only difference between them is that “team’s” works for the singular possessive while “teams'” is the plural possessive. The difference is based on the number of “teams” owning an object.

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