Is there an apostrophe in “others”?

Question

Q: Does there need to be an apostrophe for possession before the “s” in “others” in the following sentence?

That isn’t something I would want for me or mine (or others).

I believe I should have written “(or FOR others).” I think I might have just answered my own question: There is no apostrophe in “others” in my original sentence. Do you agree?

Answer 1

No there isn't an apostrophe in others if it is singular.

Answer 2

The use of the word 'others' in your example does not need an apostrophe. You can assess the need for an apostrophe by first determining whether 'others' is singular or plural in your example. It is plural if you are referring to more than one person. If you meant to refer to only one person you would use ' another'. Next, you could test the use of an apostrophe by asking whether there is possession in the use of others in your sentence. Does others possess something in your sentence? If not, there is no need for an apostrophe. Also, you would not want to say for me or mine because it would be unclear as to whom or what 'mine' is referring to.

Answer 3

Andrew, we have a singular pronominal form for "other." It is "another."

#3. One son went to live in Australia, but another was killed in a car crash.