Have you ever paused mid-sentence, unsure whether to write “sisters or sister’s”? You’re not alone, this tiny punctuation and spelling confusion often trips up students, writers, and English learners.
If you’ve been searching for “sisters meaning,” “sister’s meaning,” or “sisters vs sister’s in English,” this guide is for you.
We’ve compiled the latest, fully updated rules, examples, and tips to make sure you never mix them up again.
By the end of this blog, you’ll confidently know the correct usage, understand the subtle difference between plural and possessive forms, and write sentences accurately.
Your confusion is about to be completely solved with our clear and recent insights.
Quick Answer
✅ Sisters → plural form of sister (more than one sister)
✅ Sister’s → singular possessive form (something belonging to one sister)
Examples:
- I have two sisters.
- That is my sister’s notebook.
The Origin of Sisters or Sister’s
The word sister comes from Old English “sweoster”, meaning a female sibling. Over centuries, English developed plural and possessive forms:
- Sisters → plural, simply adding “s” to indicate more than one sister
- Sister’s → possessive, using an apostrophe + “s” to show ownership
The confusion arises because English often uses apostrophes inconsistently, and learners may not distinguish between plural and possessive forms in spoken language.
British English vs American English Spelling
Both British and American English use the same spelling for sisters (plural) and sister’s (singular possessive).
Comparison Table:
| Word | British English | American English | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sisters | Sisters | Sisters | Plural, multiple sisters |
| Sister’s | Sister’s | Sister’s | Singular possessive, belongs to one sister |
| Sisters’ | Sisters’ | Sisters’ | Plural possessive, belongs to multiple sisters |
Note: The spelling does not change between UK and US English; only the context matters.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
- Use sisters when talking about more than one sister.
- Use sister’s when referring to something owned by one sister.
- Use sisters’ if referring to something that belongs to multiple sisters.
Audience tip: For international English learners, focus on meaning rather than spelling differences. Apostrophes indicate possession, while adding “s” without an apostrophe indicates plural.
Common Mistakes with Sisters or Sister’s
- Using sisters when possession is required:
❌ I borrowed my sisters notebook.
✅ I borrowed my sister’s notebook. - Using sister’s when plural is required:
❌ My sister’s are twins.
✅ My sisters are twins. - Confusing plural possessive with singular possessive:
❌ All my sister’s books are on the table.
✅ All my sisters’ books are on the table.
Sisters or Sister’s in Everyday Examples
Emails:
- I used my sister’s notes for the assignment.
Social media:
- My sisters had a great weekend hiking.
Formal writing:
- The report includes contributions from my sisters.
Casual conversation:
- That’s my sister’s favorite restaurant.
- All my sisters love chocolate.
Sisters vs Sister’s – Google Trends & Usage Data
According to Google Trends, searches for “sisters or sister’s” peak around school exams and English learning seasons.
Most searches come from India, Pakistan, the UK, and the US, reflecting interest from English learners in both British and American English contexts.
The term is often searched along with plural and possessive grammar rules, showing that learners seek practical examples and clear explanations rather than just definitions.
Comparison Table:
| Word | Type | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sisters | Plural | More than one sister | I have three sisters. |
| Sister’s | Singular possessive | Belongs to one sister | That is my sister’s bag. |
| Sisters’ | Plural possessive | Belongs to multiple sisters | All my sisters’ books are on the table. |
Plural and Possessive Forms of Sister and Related Nouns
Sister Plural Possessive
The plural possessive form of sister is sisters’, used when something belongs to more than one sister.
Example:
- All my sisters’ rooms are decorated in blue.
- I borrowed all my sisters’ books for reference.
Sister and Brother – Related Family Nouns
The same rules for sisters apply to brother and other family nouns:
- Plural: brothers → My brothers play football.
- Singular possessive: brother’s → That is my brother’s bike.
- Plural possessive: brothers’ → All my brothers’ toys are new.
Understanding these parallels helps you apply the rules consistently across all family-related words.
Sister’s Singular or Plural
- Sister’s → singular possessive (belongs to one sister)
- Sisters → plural (more than one sister)
- Sisters’ → plural possessive (belongs to multiple sisters)
Examples:
- Singular: My sister’s book is new.
- Plural: My sisters are twins.
- Plural possessive: All my sisters’ toys are colorful.
Sister Possessive Form
- Singular: sister → sister’s
- Plural: sisters → sisters’
- Use the apostrophe to indicate ownership.
Examples:
- The sister’s diary is on the table.
- All the sisters’ rooms are neat and organized.
Sister Plural Form
- Sister → Sisters
- Always add s for plural.
Examples:
- My sisters love painting.
- Her sisters enjoy hiking on weekends.
- Many sisters attended the family reunion.
FAQs
- Which is correct: sisters or sister’s?
Both are correct depending on plural vs possessive. - What is the plural of sister?
The plural is sisters. - What is the possessive form of sister?
Singular: sister’s | Plural: sisters’ - Can I use sister’s for multiple sisters?
No, use sisters’ for multiple sisters. - How do I remember the difference?
Apostrophe = possession. No apostrophe = plural. - Are sisters and sister’s rules the same in formal writing?
Yes, the grammar rules apply to all types of English writing.
Conclusion
The difference between sisters or sister’s is straightforward once you understand plural and possessive rules:
- Sisters → plural, more than one sister
- Sister’s → singular possessive, belongs to one sister
- Sisters’ → plural possessive, belongs to multiple sisters
By learning the meaning, usage, and correct apostrophe placement, you can write clearly in formal, informal, and conversational English.
Pay attention to context, and you’ll avoid common mistakes, making your English precise and professional.
Bryan A. Garner is a renowned grammar expert, lexicographer, and author at Grammiffy, where he makes English rules easy to understand for learners and writers of all levels.
With a focus on clarity, proper usage, and effective communication, Bryan helps readers master grammar, style, and everyday writing with confidence.
