Companies vs Company’s vs Companies’ – What Is The Difference?

Are you not sure whether you should use the words companies, company’s or companies? If so, then you are in the right place.

In this post, we are going to talk about the differences between these three words, and then we are going to take a look at some examples of how to use them correctly.

Let’s begin.

Companies vs Company’s vs Companies’ – What Is The Difference?

The quick answer: The word companies is the plural form of the word company. Company’s is the possessive form of the word company. Companies’ is also in the possessive form, but the difference is that it refers to something that more than one company possesses.

When spoken these words sound similar. For that reason, they are oftentimes easily confused. However, by taking a look at some examples, we will learn how to use them correctly.

When to use the word companies?

The word companies is the plural form of the word company. In other words, whenever you are referring to more than one company, you would want to use the word companies.

Let’s take a look at some examples:

1. Many companies in the United States were started by foreign immigrants.
2. Many companies in the United States also do business with the European Union.
3. Many companies are looking to recruit young talented individuals to work for them.
4. 3 new companies were started right here in my city.
5. These companies have some of the best training programs.

When NOT to use the word companies?

1. After reviewing the companies finances, he was surprised to see how much it grew in one year. (The correct word for this sentence is company’s because it is the possessive form of the word. The finances are something the business owns)

When to use the word company’s?

Company’s is the possessive form of the word company. It is used to show ownership. You should only use this word when you want to refer to something that belongs to a company.

Let’s take a look at some examples:

1. After reviewing the company’s finances, he was surprised to see how much it grew in just one year.
2. Dave was appointed as the company’s first chief sales officer.
3. The company’s investors were concerned by the drop in sales.
4. He explained what the company’s focus would be for the next 10 years.
5. He is a member of the company’s Board of Directors.
6. I like the company’s new logo.

When NOT to use the word company’s?

1. These company’s have some of the best training programs. (You do not need the possessive form of this word because there is nothing that belongs to the business. The word here is used to refer to more than one business so you would want to use the word in the plural form.)

When to use the word companies’? (or companies’s)

This word also is in the possessive form, but the difference is that it refers to something that more than one company possesses.

Let’s take a look at some examples:

1. The companies’ stocks dropped unexpectedly.
2. It was easy for Bill to invest in multiple businesses because he loves all of those companies’ products.
3. The biggest tech companies’ recent earnings reports will help investors plan for the future.
4. Those two companies’ environmental achievements have become an example for many smaller businesses.

There you have it! The differences between Companies vs Company’s vs Companies’. Do you still have a question about when to use these terms? If so, please let us know in the comment section below.