My _______ vacation plans had to be postponed due to unexpected circumstances.
4
readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
father-in-laws'
B
father-in-law's
C
father's-in-law
D
fathers-in-law's
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. This question tests apostrophe placement with compound nouns.
- Context clues: One father-in-law possesses the vacation plans.
- Meaning: For compound nouns, add the possessive to the last word.
- Verify: "My father-in-law's vacation plans" correctly shows singular possession of the compound noun.
💡 Strategy: Add 's to the END of compound nouns for possession (father-in-law's, not father's-in-law).
Choice A is incorrect because "father-in-laws'" implies plural possession. Choice C is incorrect because the apostrophe is placed on the wrong word. Choice D is incorrect because "fathers-in-law's" is for plural compound possession.