Have you ever paused while writing and wondered whether to use community’s or communities? You’re not alone.
This small apostrophe causes big confusion because both forms look similar but mean very different things. One shows ownership, while the other shows more than one group.
The confusion comes from mixing up plural forms and possessive forms. English uses -ies to make plurals and ’s to show possession, and when these rules overlap, mistakes happen, especially in emails, blogs, and professional writing.
This article clears it up fast. You’ll get a quick answer, simple rules, real examples, and common mistakes to avoid, so you can use community’s and communities with confidence every time.
Community’s or Communities: Quick Answer
Community’s is the singular possessive form of community.
Communities is the plural form of community.
Examples
- Community’s: The community’s opinion matters.
- Communities: Many communities support this project.
Easy rule
- Apostrophe (’s) = ownership
- No apostrophe + ies = more than one
Origin:
The word community comes from the Latin word communitas, which means shared or common. It entered English hundreds of years ago and was used to describe people living, working, or sharing life together.
As English grammar developed, clear rules were formed:
- Words ending in -y change to -ies in the plural
(community → communities) - Ownership is shown with ’s
(community → community’s)
The confusion exists because:
- Both forms look very similar
- Apostrophes are often misunderstood
- Many people think apostrophes make words plural (they do not)
British English vs American English Spelling
There is no difference between British English and American English for community’s or communities. Both follow the same grammar rules.
Simple Comparison Table
| Community’s | Communities |
|---|---|
| Used in British English | Used in British English |
| Used in American English | Used in American English |
| Shows ownership | Shows plurality |
The meaning changes based on grammar, not location.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Always choose based on meaning, not accent or country.
Use community’s when:
- Something belongs to one community
- You are showing ownership
Example:
The community’s safety plan was approved.
Use communities when:
- You are talking about more than one community
- No ownership is involved
Example:
Local communities worked together.
Audience Advice
- US readers: Same rules
- UK/Commonwealth readers: Same rules
- Global readers: Clear grammar avoids confusion
Common Mistakes:
❌ Mistake 1: Using an apostrophe for plurals
- ❌ Many community’s are growing.
- ✅ Many communities are growing.
❌ Mistake 2: Missing the apostrophe in possessive form
- ❌ The community needs are urgent.
- ✅ The community’s needs are urgent.
❌ Mistake 3: Writing communitys
- ❌ Different communitys exist.
- ✅ Different communities exist.
Everyday Examples
Emails
- The community’s feedback was helpful.
- We work with several communities.
News
- The community’s leaders spoke today.
- Floods affected many communities.
Social Media
- Our community’s support means a lot ❤️
- Online communities are growing fast.
Formal Writing
- The community’s development plan passed.
- Rural communities need more support.
Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows that communities is used much more often than community’s. This is because plural discussions are more common in news, education, and social topics.
Usage Comparison Table
| Community’s | Communities |
|---|---|
| Lower search volume | Higher search volume |
| Used in ownership contexts | Used in general discussion |
| Common in formal writing | Common in everyday writing |
Most people search this keyword to avoid grammar mistakes, not because the words are rare.
FAQs:
1. Is community’s plural?
No. It is singular and shows ownership.
2. What is the plural of community?
The plural is communities.
3. Can communities’ be correct?
Yes. It is the plural possessive form.
Example: The communities’ concerns were heard.
4. Is there a US vs UK difference?
No. Both use the same rules.
5. Why do people misuse apostrophes?
Because many think apostrophes make words plural.
6. Is communitys ever correct?
No. It is always wrong.
7. Which form is better for professional writing?
Both are correct when used properly.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between community’s and communities becomes easy when you focus on meaning rather than memorizing rules.
Community’s is used only when something belongs to a single community, showing clear ownership.
Communities, on the other hand, simply refers to more than one community and never needs an apostrophe.
Remember, apostrophes are not tools for making words plural—they exist to show possession.
Keeping this one principle in mind can prevent many common grammar mistakes.
There is no difference between British and American English here, so the rule applies everywhere.
Using the correct form improves clarity and helps your message sound more polished.
It also shows attention to detail, which reflects well on you as a writer.
This small choice can make a big difference in professional and academic writing.
Whenever confusion arises, slow down and think about your meaning.
Ask yourself whether you are talking about ownership or quantity.
That simple question will always guide you to the correct and confident choice.
Read More:
Gest or Jest: Origins, Meaning, and Examples
Whip or WIP: Meaning, Usage, and Which One to Use
I am Helen Oyeyemi, an English writer who focuses on clear, simple, and engaging content.
I enjoy explaining confusing words and everyday topics in a reader-friendly way.
My writing aims to inform, connect, and make learning easy for all readers.
