The term country’s is the singular possessive form of country. E.g., “The country’s economy has tanked in the last year.” Furthermore, countries’ is the plural possessive form, e.g., “Countries’ delegates are attending the climate summit.” Also, countries is the standard plural form of country.
Firstly, the following table shows the different forms of the word country. As you can see, you need to add an apostrophe for the singular and plural possessive forms.
| Singular | Country |
| Plural | Countries |
| Singular possessive | Country’s |
| Plural possessive | Countries’ |
Secondly, the following sentences show how you can use the different forms of country in a sentence:
- Singular: Each country at the conference laid out its plans to reduce emissions.
- Plural: Each of the respective countries used its flag on the front cover of its proposal.
- Singular possessive: My country’s flag is red, white, and blue.
- Plural possessive: Most countries’ proposals were unrealistic and unattainable.
Please keep reading the rest of the article to learn about using the plural and possessive forms of the term country.
Country’s
The word country’s is the singular possessive form of country. Therefore, you use it when you want to say that something belongs to one particular country.
Furthermore, when something “belongs” to a country, it can be a physical object or person.
- The country’s president lost the support of the people because of the economic scandal.
- The country’s scenery is breathtaking.
Alternatively, it can be a position on an issue or something non-tangible such as an opinion.
- The country’s stance on renewable energy lags way behind other developed nations.
Countries’
The term countries’ with an apostrophe at the end of the word is the plural possessive form of the word country. Consequently, you use it when you refer to something that belongs to multiple countries.
Below, you can find some examples of countries’ in a sentence.
Firstly, you will notice that you can refer to physical nouns, as shown in these examples:
- Each countries’ team had the support of fans back home.
- Both countries’ buildings are typical of the architecture in the region.
Secondly, you can also use countries’ to indicate non-tangible nouns such as opinions and economies belonging to a group of countries.
- Developing countries’ economies have shrunk in the last 12 months.
Countries
The word countries is the plural version of country. Therefore, you can use it in non-possessive sentences when referring to two or more countries.
Also, when you are using the term countries, it can apply to a specific number of countries.
For example:
- Twenty-four countries are competing in the tournament.
- Both countries have suffered economically in the last year.
Alternatively, you can use countries to refer to all countries or to a non-specific number of countries.
- Countries around the world congratulated President Biden on his election victory.
- All countries have a responsibility to take care of the planet.