Somebody’s vs. Somebodies: Master the Apostrophe in 60 Seconds
Somebody’s is the correct possessive form, meaning “belonging to somebody.” Somebodies is a rare plural and almost never what you want.
People see the -ies ending in words like “bodies” and assume the plural needs the same tweak, so they drop the apostrophe. The result looks plural, but your reader expects ownership instead.
Key Differences
Somebody’s = one unnamed person owns something. Somebodies = more than one unnamed person, used mainly in playful or negative contexts (“a bunch of somebodies”).
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose somebody’s for 99 % of writing. Reserve somebodies for creative, ironic lines—never in formal work.
Examples and Daily Life
“Somebody’s phone is buzzing.” / “This party is full of wannabe somebodies.” Spot the difference once, remember forever.
Is somebody’s always singular?
Yes; it refers to one unknown individual’s possession.
Can I write “somebodies’ ” with an apostrophe after the s?
Theoretically yes, but it’s almost never needed—avoid it.