NounsNouns

Distinguishing Plurals, Distinguishing Plurals, Possessives, and Possessives, and

ContractionsContractions

Most plural nouns, most possessive nouns, Most plural nouns, most possessive nouns, and certain contractions end with the letter and certain contractions end with the letter –s–s. As a result they sound alike and can be . As a result they sound alike and can be easily confused. Their spellings and easily confused. Their spellings and meanings are different.meanings are different.

Noun Forms and Noun Forms and ContractionsContractions

Example Meaning

Plural NounThe students wrote a play.

more than one student

Plural Possessive Noun

The students’ play is good.

the play of the students

Singular Possessive Noun

I saw the student’s play.

the play of one student

ContractionThe student’s the author.

The student is the author.

ContractionContraction

A A contractioncontraction is a word made by combining two is a word made by combining two words into one and leaving out one or more letters. words into one and leaving out one or more letters. An apostrophe shows where the letters have been An apostrophe shows where the letters have been omitted.omitted.

is not – isnis not – isn’’tt could not – couldncould not – couldn’’tt

your are – youyour are – you’’rere we will – wewe will – we’’llll

I would – II would – I’’dd where is – wherewhere is – where’’ss

Each sentence contains a word group that can Each sentence contains a word group that can be written as a contraction. Spell the new be written as a contraction. Spell the new contraction.contraction.

Who is the new student representative?Who is the new student representative?

- whowho’’ss

I am not certain whether he is upstairs or I am not certain whether he is upstairs or downstairs.downstairs.

- I- I’’m, he’sm, he’s

This pen will write if you will just keep shaking it. This pen will write if you will just keep shaking it.

- youyou’’llll

You are ignoring what I am saying.You are ignoring what I am saying.

- YouYou’’re, Ire, I’’mm

Glenda is the one I would like to invite.Glenda is the one I would like to invite.

- Glenda- Glenda’’s, Is, I’’dd

There cannot be any doubt about who will be There cannot be any doubt about who will be invited. invited.

- CanCan’’t, whot, who’’llll

You will enjoy looking at these old pictures of You will enjoy looking at these old pictures of the class of 1956.the class of 1956.

-You-You’’llll

They were not sure who would be on the They were not sure who would be on the committee.committee.

- weren- weren’’t, whot, who’’dd

Plural nouns do not have an apostrophe. Plural nouns do not have an apostrophe. The plural possessive nouns end with an The plural possessive nouns end with an apostrophe, The singular possessive apostrophe, The singular possessive nouns end with an apostrophe and an nouns end with an apostrophe and an ––ss. You can tell these words apart by the . You can tell these words apart by the way they are used in a sentence.way they are used in a sentence.

Plural Nouns

ContractionsSingular

Possessive Nouns

Plural Possessive

Nouns

speakers speaker’s speaker’s speakers’

women woman’s woman’s women’s

countries country’s country’s countries’

Identify if the underlined word is a plural noun, a plural Identify if the underlined word is a plural noun, a plural possessive noun, a singular possessive noun, or a possessive noun, a singular possessive noun, or a contraction.contraction.

That That kittenkitten’’ss sure cute. sure cute.

The The kittenkitten’’ss fur is the color of taffy. fur is the color of taffy.

I wonder how many I wonder how many kittens kittens were in the litter.were in the litter.

The The kittenskittens’’ owners must be thrilled! owners must be thrilled!

In each sentence, add apostrophes to the In each sentence, add apostrophes to the possessive noun and the contractions.possessive noun and the contractions.

Woodrow Wilson was Americas twenty-eighth Woodrow Wilson was Americas twenty-eighth president.president.

- AmericaAmerica’’s s

As a student at Princeton, he joined the schools As a student at Princeton, he joined the schools debating society.debating society.

- school- school’’ss

Before becoming president, he served as Princeton Before becoming president, he served as Princeton Universitys president.Universitys president.

- UniversityUniversity’’ss

Wilsons regarded today as an educational and Wilsons regarded today as an educational and political reformer.political reformer.

- WilsonWilson’’ss

He was elected New Jerseys governor in 1910.He was elected New Jerseys governor in 1910.

- JerseyJersey’’s s

His success in New Jersey brought him to the His success in New Jersey brought him to the Democrats attention.Democrats attention.

- DemocratDemocrat’’ss

Wilsons first term of office as president began in Wilsons first term of office as president began in 1913.1913.

- WilsonWilson’’ss

The wars outbreak in Europe kept his attention on The wars outbreak in Europe kept his attention on foreign affairs.foreign affairs.

- warwar’’s s

NounsNouns A noun is a word that names a person, place, A noun is a word that names a person, place,

thing, or idea.thing, or idea.

People

farmerAlexander Graham Bell

Places

Chicago waiting room

Things

flowers keys

Ideas

success happiness

Two basic kinds of Two basic kinds of nounsnouns

Proper nounProper noun names a specific person, place, thing, names a specific person, place, thing, or idea.or idea.

Alexander Graham BellAlexander Graham Bell TarrytownTarrytown ““Rikki-tikki-taviRikki-tikki-tavi””

Common nounCommon noun names any one class of people, names any one class of people, place, thing, or idea.place, thing, or idea.

inventorinventor villagevillage storystory

Identify if the noun is a common or a Identify if the noun is a common or a proper noun. Then, if it is a common proper noun. Then, if it is a common noun give an example of a proper noun give an example of a proper noun. If it is a proper noun give an noun. If it is a proper noun give an example of a class to which each example of a class to which each proper noun belongs.proper noun belongs.

governmentgovernment

common, Congresscommon, Congress

pony expresspony express

common, Wells Fargocommon, Wells Fargo

postmaster generalpostmaster general

common, Benjamin Franklincommon, Benjamin Franklin

United StatesUnited States

proper, countryproper, country

citycity

common, Appletoncommon, Appleton

presidentpresident

common, Abraham Lincolncommon, Abraham Lincoln

Concrete and Abstract Concrete and Abstract NounsNouns

Common nouns can be either Common nouns can be either concrete or abstract.concrete or abstract.

Concrete nounsConcrete nouns things that you can things that you can see or touch.see or touch.

Abstract nounsAbstract nouns name ideas, name ideas, qualities, or feelings that cannot be qualities, or feelings that cannot be seen or touched.seen or touched.

Kinds of NounsKinds of Nouns

Common Proper

Abstract Concrete

truth document Supreme Court

courage crown Queen Victoria

time snow December

history museumMuseum of Anthropology

heritage buffalo Native American

State if the underlined common noun is abstract State if the underlined common noun is abstract or concrete.or concrete.

Born in Born in slaveryslavery, Fredrick Douglass escaped and , Fredrick Douglass escaped and fled to Massachusetts.fled to Massachusetts. abstractabstract

In 1841 he addressed a meeting and talked In 1841 he addressed a meeting and talked about about freedomfreedom.. abstractabstract

After he spoke, he was hired to talk to other After he spoke, he was hired to talk to other groupsgroups.. concreteconcrete

It took It took couragecourage for him to speak out as he did. for him to speak out as he did. abstractabstract

After his After his autobiographyautobiography was published in 1845, he was published in 1845, he went to England.went to England. concreteconcrete

When he returned, he continued to talk about his When he returned, he continued to talk about his beliefsbeliefs.. abstractabstract

He helped He helped menmen, , womenwomen, and , and childrenchildren flee to flee to Canada.Canada. concreteconcrete

Plural and Singular Plural and Singular NounsNouns

Singular Noun: Singular Noun:  When a noun means one only,  When a noun means one only, it is said to be singular.  it is said to be singular.  Examples:  boy, girl, book, church, boxExamples:  boy, girl, book, church, box

Plural Noun: Plural Noun:  When a noun means more than  When a noun means more than one, it is said to be plural.  one, it is said to be plural.  Examples:  boys, girls, books, churchesExamples:  boys, girls, books, churches

Rule #1Rule #1The plural of nouns is usually formed by The plural of nouns is usually formed by adding - adding - ss to a singular noun. to a singular noun.

lamp - lamps cat - cats fork - lamp - lamps cat - cats fork - forks forks 

flower -flowers  pen - pensflower -flowers  pen - pens dog - dog - dogsdogs

Rule #2Rule #2Nouns that end in ch, sh, s, ss, x, z, zz form the Nouns that end in ch, sh, s, ss, x, z, zz form the plural form by adding plural form by adding eses. . moss - moss - mosses buzz - buzzes mosses buzz - buzzes

box - boxes  church - churchesbox - boxes  church - churches

Special Note:Special Note:If you add - If you add - ss to such nouns as to such nouns as foxfox, , bushbush, and , and benchbench, you will find that you cannot pronounce , you will find that you cannot pronounce them without making an additional syllable.  This them without making an additional syllable.  This is why such nouns form the plural by adding - is why such nouns form the plural by adding - eses..

Rule #3Rule #3There are several different rules for singular nouns There are several different rules for singular nouns ending in the letters f, fe or ff when changing ending in the letters f, fe or ff when changing them to the plural form.them to the plural form.

Most nouns ending in the letters f, fe or ff form the Most nouns ending in the letters f, fe or ff form the plural by adding the letter s.plural by adding the letter s.

surf - surfssurf - surfs

Some nouns that end in f, fe or ff form the plural Some nouns that end in f, fe or ff form the plural by changing the final f form to ves. by changing the final f form to ves.

calf - calvescalf - calves

Rule #4Rule #4Most nouns that end in i form the plural by adding Most nouns that end in i form the plural by adding the letter s.the letter s.

ski – skisski – skis

Some nouns ending with the letter i form the Some nouns ending with the letter i form the plural both by adding s and/or esplural both by adding s and/or es

taxi-taxis-taxiestaxi-taxis-taxies

Rule #5Rule #5If a singular noun ends in y and is preceded by a If a singular noun ends in y and is preceded by a consonant, the y is changed to i and es is added.consonant, the y is changed to i and es is added.

butterfly - y + i + es = butterfliesbutterfly - y + i + es = butterflies

If a singular noun ends in y and is preceded by a If a singular noun ends in y and is preceded by a vowel, the letter s is simply added with no other vowel, the letter s is simply added with no other changes made.changes made.

monkey + s = monkeysmonkey + s = monkeys

Rule #6Rule #6There are some nouns that form the plurals There are some nouns that form the plurals differently.differently.

Some nouns change their vowels in the middle of Some nouns change their vowels in the middle of the singular form when forming the pluralthe singular form when forming the plural

goose – geesegoose – geese

mouse – micemouse – mice

woman - womenwoman - women

Spell the plural of each of the following Spell the plural of each of the following nouns.nouns.

chair chair  chairschairs

star star 

- stars- stars

dressdress dressesdresses

farm farm  farmsfarms

storm storm  stormsstorms

brushbrush brushesbrushes

wishwish wisheswishes

paperpaper paperspapers

shelf shelf  shelvesshelves

manman

- men- men

flyfly fliesflies

dayday daysdays

taxitaxi taxis, taxiestaxis, taxies

Compound NounsCompound Nouns

A compound noun is a noun made up of A compound noun is a noun made up of two or more words.two or more words.

A compound noun can be one word, like A compound noun can be one word, like storybookstorybook; more than one word, like ; more than one word, like ice ice creamcream; or joined by hyphens, like ; or joined by hyphens, like runner-runner-upup..

Compound NounsCompound Nouns

One Word HyphenatedMore Than One Word

housekeeper

mother-in-law dining room

showcase runner-up ice cream

bookmarkgreat-grandmother

maid of honor

football kilowatt-hour music box

Identify the compound noun in each Identify the compound noun in each sentence.sentence.

We definitely need a new football.We definitely need a new football.

- footballfootball

Visit the Smithsonian Institution in Washington.Visit the Smithsonian Institution in Washington.

- Smithsonian InstitutionSmithsonian Institution

How late is the post office open on Saturday?How late is the post office open on Saturday?

- post officepost office

Her outlook is always positive.Her outlook is always positive.

- outlookoutlook

How did your cousin like her new junior How did your cousin like her new junior high school?high school?

- junior high schooljunior high school

Paul Simon is my favorite songwriter.Paul Simon is my favorite songwriter.

- songwritersongwriter

To improve, we will need a lot of teamwork.To improve, we will need a lot of teamwork.

- teamworkteamwork

No medicine is a complete cure-all.No medicine is a complete cure-all.

- cure-allcure-all

This cartridge uses an advanced magnetic tape.This cartridge uses an advanced magnetic tape.

- magnetic tapemagnetic tape

We are going to assemble a new mailing list.We are going to assemble a new mailing list.

- mailing listmailing list

Plural Compound Plural Compound NounsNouns

To form the plural of compound nouns written To form the plural of compound nouns written as one word, add as one word, add –s–s or or –es–es. To form the . To form the plural of compound nouns that are plural of compound nouns that are hyphenated or written as more than one hyphenated or written as more than one word, make the most important part of the word, make the most important part of the compound noun plural. compound noun plural.

Forming Plural Compound Forming Plural Compound NounsNouns

Singular PluralOne word Follow plural rules.

Exception:

footballsheadlights strongboxesrosebushespassersby

Hyphenated Make the most important part of the compound noun plural.

great-grandmothers runners-up

More than one word

Make the most important part of the compound noun plural.

maids of honormusic boxes

Collective NounCollective Noun

A collective noun names a group of individuals.A collective noun names a group of individuals.

classclass herdherd audienceaudience

staffstaff teamteam orchestraorchestra

The The familyfamily struggled through the crowd to struggled through the crowd to see the see the bandband..

Identify the collective noun in each Identify the collective noun in each sentence.sentence.

An angry crowd assembled in front of the church.An angry crowd assembled in front of the church.• crowdcrowd

My uncle hopes to raise a flock of sheep.My uncle hopes to raise a flock of sheep.• flockflock

Our class voted to have a spring picnic.Our class voted to have a spring picnic.• classclass

Melissa applauded the performance of the Melissa applauded the performance of the orchestra.orchestra.• orchestraorchestra

What did you think about the reaction of What did you think about the reaction of the audience?the audience?• audienceaudience

A company of dancers will entertain us first.A company of dancers will entertain us first.• companycompany

The jury voted to acquit the defendant.The jury voted to acquit the defendant.• juryjury

Later, the trio played three interesting numbers.Later, the trio played three interesting numbers.• triotrio

A squadron of soldiers surrounded the building.A squadron of soldiers surrounded the building.• squadronsquadron

The bill was sent to a committee for further study.The bill was sent to a committee for further study.• committeecommittee

Singular and Plural Singular and Plural Collective NounsCollective Nouns

Collective nouns can have either a singular or Collective nouns can have either a singular or a plural meaning.a plural meaning.

When referring to the group as a unit, the When referring to the group as a unit, the noun has a singular meaning and takes a noun has a singular meaning and takes a singular verb.singular verb.

The The team worksteam works on its defensive plays. on its defensive plays.

When referring to the individual members of the When referring to the individual members of the group, the noun has a plural meaning and takes group, the noun has a plural meaning and takes a plural verb.a plural verb.

The The team goteam go to their individual lockers. to their individual lockers.

To help you determine whether a collective noun in To help you determine whether a collective noun in a sentence is singular or plural, substitute the a sentence is singular or plural, substitute the word word itit for the collective noun and any words for the collective noun and any words used to describe it. If the sentence still makes used to describe it. If the sentence still makes sense, the collective noun is singular. If you can sense, the collective noun is singular. If you can substitute substitute theythey, the collective noun is plural., the collective noun is plural.

The team The team works on its project. (it, singular)works on its project. (it, singular)

The teamThe team work on their separate projects. (they, work on their separate projects. (they, plural)plural)

Identify the collective noun in each Identify the collective noun in each sentence and state what verb form in sentence and state what verb form in the parentheses that best completes the parentheses that best completes each sentence.each sentence.

The book club (discusses, discuss) their The book club (discusses, discuss) their personal opinions of the plot.personal opinions of the plot.

- book club, discuss- book club, discuss

The class (is, are) going on a bus to the art The class (is, are) going on a bus to the art museum.museum.

- class, is- class, is

The choir from East High School (sings, sing) The choir from East High School (sings, sing) the loudest.the loudest.

- choir, sings- choir, sings

The elephant herd (makes, make) a The elephant herd (makes, make) a thundering noise during a stampede.thundering noise during a stampede.

- herd, makes- herd, makes

The baseball team (boasts, boast) an The baseball team (boasts, boast) an excellent batting average.excellent batting average.

-team, boasts-team, boasts

Possessive NounsPossessive NounsA possessive noun names who or what owns or has A possessive noun names who or what owns or has

something.something.

Possessive nouns can be common nouns or proper Possessive nouns can be common nouns or proper nouns. They can also be singular or plural. nouns. They can also be singular or plural. Notice the possessive nouns in the following Notice the possessive nouns in the following sentences.sentences.

RitaRita has a book on history. has a book on history.

RitaRita’’ss book is new. book is new.

Add an apostrophe and an –s to show the Add an apostrophe and an –s to show the possessive of most singular nouns.possessive of most singular nouns.

fatherfather’’s cars car DaveDave’’s books book

Add just and apostrophe to show the possessive Add just and apostrophe to show the possessive case of plural nouns ending in –s or –es.case of plural nouns ending in –s or –es.

dogsdogs’’ owner owner churcheschurches’’ congregations congregations

Add an apostrophe and –s to show the possessive Add an apostrophe and –s to show the possessive case of plural nouns that do not end in –s or –es.case of plural nouns that do not end in –s or –es.

the four menthe four men’’s cars car the geesethe geese’’s honkings honking

Add an apostrophe and –s (or just an apostrophe if Add an apostrophe and –s (or just an apostrophe if the word is a plural ending in –s) to the last word the word is a plural ending in –s) to the last word of a compound noun to form the possessive.of a compound noun to form the possessive.

high schoolhigh school’’s mascots mascotBoy ScoutsBoy Scouts’’ trip trip

Spell the possessive case of the plural nouns Spell the possessive case of the plural nouns in the following sentences adding in the following sentences adding apostrophes as needed.apostrophes as needed.

The The gold seekers gold seekers need for money led them to the need for money led them to the Yukon.Yukon.

- gold seekersgold seekers’’

At that time, many At that time, many countriescountries economies were economies were suffering.suffering.

- countries- countries’’

The The prospectorsprospectors haste to reach the Yukon began in haste to reach the Yukon began in 1896.1896.

- prospectorsprospectors’’

It was many It was many travelerstravelers belief that they could find belief that they could find gold.gold.

- travelerstravelers’’

Many prospectors would seek a Many prospectors would seek a guideguide assistance. assistance.

- guide- guide’’ss

Using Apostrophes with Using Apostrophes with PronounsPronouns

Use an apostrophe and –s with indefinite pronouns to Use an apostrophe and –s with indefinite pronouns to show possession.show possession.

anotheranother’’s preference nobody elses preference nobody else’’s businesss business

Do not use an apostrophe with possessive personal Do not use an apostrophe with possessive personal pronouns.pronouns.

my, mine, your, yours, his, her, hers, its, my, mine, your, yours, his, her, hers, its,

our, ours, their, and theirsour, ours, their, and theirs

The following sentences contain possessive The following sentences contain possessive pronouns. If a possessive is written pronouns. If a possessive is written incorrectly, spell it correctly. If all incorrectly, spell it correctly. If all pronouns in the sentence are used pronouns in the sentence are used correctly, say they are correct.correctly, say they are correct.

In the new claim, the lake was his and the island In the new claim, the lake was his and the island was theirwas their’’s.s.

- his/correct; theirshis/correct; theirs

Once prospectors reached the Klondike, they had Once prospectors reached the Klondike, they had only to find open land and stake their claims.only to find open land and stake their claims.

- correctcorrect

If a prospector took anothers claim, it was called If a prospector took anothers claim, it was called ““claim jumping.claim jumping.””..

- anotheranother’’ss

Imagine the disappointment of surviving the trip to Imagine the disappointment of surviving the trip to the Klondike only to lose what was yoursthe Klondike only to lose what was yours’’ to to claim jumping!claim jumping!

- yoursyours

Finally, the MinersFinally, the Miners’’ Association was formed to Association was formed to protect everyones legal claims.protect everyones legal claims.

- everyoneeveryone’’ss

The association had its first building in Discovery, The association had its first building in Discovery, the tent city of the Pine Creek.the tent city of the Pine Creek.

- correct- correct

AppositivesAppositivesAppositives give information about nouns or Appositives give information about nouns or

pronouns.pronouns.

An appositive is a noun or pronoun placed next An appositive is a noun or pronoun placed next to another noun or pronoun to identify, to another noun or pronoun to identify, rename, or explain the preceding word.rename, or explain the preceding word.

Appositives are very useful in writing because Appositives are very useful in writing because they give additional information without they give additional information without using many words.using many words.

Ron Burns, Ron Burns, a dentista dentist, was elected to the City , was elected to the City Council.Council.

Appositive PhraseAppositive PhraseAn appositive with its own modifiers creates An appositive with its own modifiers creates

an an appositive phrase.appositive phrase.

An An appositive phraseappositive phrase is a noun or pronoun is a noun or pronoun with modifiers. It is place next to a noun with modifiers. It is place next to a noun or pronoun and adds information or or pronoun and adds information or details.details.

The appositive phrase can be identified The appositive phrase can be identified because it always begins with an article, a because it always begins with an article, a noun, or a pronoun. The noun or pronoun noun, or a pronoun. The noun or pronoun in an appositive phrase always follows the in an appositive phrase always follows the noun or pronoun that the phrase modifies.noun or pronoun that the phrase modifies.

The modifiers in the phrase can be adjectives or The modifiers in the phrase can be adjectives or adjective phrases.adjective phrases.

San Juan de los Caballeros, San Juan de los Caballeros, the Spanish capital of the Spanish capital of the New Mexico territorythe New Mexico territory, was moved to a , was moved to a new site in 1610.new site in 1610.

The painting, The painting, a mural in many bright colorsa mural in many bright colors, , highlights the entrance.highlights the entrance.

Appositives and appositive phrases can also be Appositives and appositive phrases can also be compound.compound.

Volunteers, Volunteers, boys or girlsboys or girls, are wanted., are wanted.

These poems, These poems, ““The Sea GypsyThe Sea Gypsy”” and and ““Before the Squall,Before the Squall,”” are about a love for are about a love for the sea.the sea.

Do not put commas around the appositive when it is Do not put commas around the appositive when it is essential information. Without the appositive, the essential information. Without the appositive, the sentence would be sentence would be The popular US president was The popular US president was known for his eloquent and inspirational known for his eloquent and inspirational speeches. speeches. We wouldn't know which president We wouldn't know which president was being referred to. was being referred to.

The popular U.S. president The popular U.S. president John Kennedy John Kennedy was was known for his eloquent and inspirational known for his eloquent and inspirational speeches.speeches.

Grammar TipGrammar Tip

Appositives provide an excellent way to Appositives provide an excellent way to combine certain types of sentences. combine certain types of sentences.

- This antique car is a Studebaker.- This antique car is a Studebaker.

- It is worth thousands of dollars.It is worth thousands of dollars.

This antique car, a Studebaker, is worth This antique car, a Studebaker, is worth thousands of dollars.thousands of dollars.

Identify each appositive or appositive phrase. Identify each appositive or appositive phrase. Next identify the noun or pronoun it Next identify the noun or pronoun it renames.renames.

The capital, Santa Fe, was the place from which the The capital, Santa Fe, was the place from which the Spaniards ran their territorial government.Spaniards ran their territorial government.

- Santa Fe: Santa Fe:

- capitalcapital

El Palacio, the Palace of the Governors, was the El Palacio, the Palace of the Governors, was the building where government business was carried building where government business was carried out.out.

- the Palace of the Governorsthe Palace of the Governors

- El PalacioEl Palacio

Pope, a Native American leader, led a revolt against Pope, a Native American leader, led a revolt against the Spanish in 1680.the Spanish in 1680.

- a Native American leadera Native American leader

- PopePope

This revolt drove their enemies, the Spanish, This revolt drove their enemies, the Spanish, out of the area.out of the area.

- the Spanishthe Spanish

- enemiesenemies

Twelve years later, the Spanish general Diego Twelve years later, the Spanish general Diego de Vargas returned to conquer the area for de Vargas returned to conquer the area for the Spaniards again.the Spaniards again.

- Diego de VargasDiego de Vargas

- GeneralGeneral

(The restrictive appositive, Diego de Vargas, is (The restrictive appositive, Diego de Vargas, is not set off because itnot set off because it’’s needed to make the s needed to make the sentence clear.)sentence clear.)

Combine each pair of sentences by using an Combine each pair of sentences by using an appositive or appositive phrase. appositive or appositive phrase.

New Mexico is a popular tourist destination. The New Mexico is a popular tourist destination. The state is known for its beauty.state is known for its beauty.

- New Mexico, New Mexico, a popular tourist destinationa popular tourist destination, is , is known for its beauty.known for its beauty.

After Mexico won its independence in 1821, it was After Mexico won its independence in 1821, it was open to settlement by Americans. The territory open to settlement by Americans. The territory consisted of present-day Arizona, New Mexico, consisted of present-day Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Utah.Nevada, and Utah.

- After Mexico won its independence in 1821, the - After Mexico won its independence in 1821, the New Mexico Territory, New Mexico Territory, present-day Arizona, New present-day Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and UtahMexico, Nevada, and Utah, was open to , was open to settlement by Americans.settlement by Americans.

When trade began with the United States, the Santa When trade began with the United States, the Santa Fe Trail became popular. It was a route from Fe Trail became popular. It was a route from Santa Fe to Missouri.Santa Fe to Missouri.

- When trade began with the United States, the - When trade began with the United States, the Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe Trail, a route from Santa Fe to Missouria route from Santa Fe to Missouri, , became popular.became popular.

In 1846, the United States declared war on Mexico, In 1846, the United States declared war on Mexico, and the capture of northern Mexico became one and the capture of northern Mexico became one of its first objectives. The area is now known as of its first objectives. The area is now known as New Mexico.New Mexico.

- In 1846, the United States declared war on Mexico, - In 1846, the United States declared war on Mexico, and the capture of northern Mexico, and the capture of northern Mexico, New MexicoNew Mexico, , became one of its first objectives. became one of its first objectives.

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