Here are the rules that will apply:
- Rule one: If possessive noun is singular, then you need to add apostrophe plus “s”.
- Rule two: If possessive noun is not ending with the letter “s”, then you always need to add apostrophe plus “s”.
- Rule three: If possessive noun ends with the “s” and it is plural, what you only need to do is to add apostrophe.
- Use an apostrophe +"s" ('s) to show that one person/thing owns or is a member of something.
- Use an apostrophe after the "s" (s') at the end of a plural noun to show possession.
- If a plural noun doesn't end in "s," add an apostrophe + "s" to create the possessive form.
What are some apostrophe rules?
The rules for plural nouns, possessive nouns and plural possessive nouns are:
- plural nouns - add -s or -es, no apostrophe ("the Smiths" or "the Wallaces")
- possessive nouns - add an apostrophe and "s" ("Mr. Smith's dog" or "Mrs. Wallace's house")
- plural possessive nouns - add an "s" and an apostrophe ("the Smiths' dog" or "the Wallaces' house")
What are the rules for using an apostrophe?
Summing Up
- Do not use apostrophes to indicate plurality
- Use an apostrophe before the s to indicate ownership
- Use an apostrophe before the s to indicate membership
- Use an apostrophe after the s to indicate collective ownership
- Use an apostrophe after the s to indicate collective membership
- Use an apostrophe before the s for irregular plural nouns
How and when to use [and not use] apostrophes?
The apostrophe has three uses: 1) to form possessive nouns; 2) to show the omission of letters; and 3) to indicate plurals of letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use apostrophes to form possessive pronouns (i.e. his / her computer) or noun plurals that are not possessives. 1) To Show Possession
When not to use an apostrophe?
Like other possessive pronouns (hers, his, yours, theirs) an apostrophe is not required as they already indicate possession without an apostrophe. One of the most common mistakes that people make when it comes to apostrophes is using them in plurals ending in an ‘s’.
What are the 3 rules for apostrophes?
The apostrophe has three uses: 1) to form possessive nouns; 2) to show the omission of letters; and 3) to indicate plurals of letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use apostrophes to form possessive pronouns (i.e. his/her computer) or noun plurals that are not possessives.
What are the 5 examples of apostrophe?
A few apostrophe examples below:I am – I'm: “I'm planning to write a book someday.”You are – You're: “You're going to have a lot of fun with your new puppy.”She is – She's: “She's always on time.”It is – It's: “I can't believe it's snowing again.”Do not – Don't: “I don't like anchovies.”More items...
What is the grammar rule for apostrophes?
The general rule is that the possessive of a singular noun is formed by adding an apostrophe and s, whether the singular noun ends in s or not. The possessive of a plural noun is formed by adding only an apostrophe when the noun ends in s, and by adding both an apostrophe and s when it ends in a letter other than s.
Is James or James's correct?
James's car or James' car? Actually, both ways are correct. If a proper name ends with an s, you can add just the apostrophe or an apostrophe and an s.
Where do you put the apostrophe in a sentence?
An apostrophe is a small punctuation mark ( ' ) placed after a noun to show that the noun owns something. The apostrophe will always be placed either before or after an s at the end of the noun owner. Always the noun owner will be followed (usually immediately) by the thing it owns. 2.
Where do you put the apostrophe to show possession?
The Basics of Apostrophes to Show Possession1) Add an apostrophe + s ('s) to the end of the noun.2) Add only an apostrophe to the end of plural nouns ending with an 's'.3) Add an apostrophe + s ('s) to the end of plural nouns that do not end with an 's'.
Is it Thomas's or Thomas?
Both Thomas's or Thomas' are correct. There are several different style guides for writing the English language. When you follow the rules of The Associated Press Stylebook, Thomas' is correct. With all other style guides, Thomas's is correct.
What are the 2 types of apostrophes?
There are two different kinds of apostrophes: smart and straight.
Do you put an apostrophe after a name that ends in s?
To show possession using an apostrophe, add 's for individuals (“Smith's car”) and just the apostrophe after the s for plurals (“the Smiths' car”). If a family name ends with an s or z, you can choose to use just the apostrophe (“the Williams' dog”) or 's (“the Williams's dog”).
Is it Ross or Ross's?
The possessive form of almost all proper names is formed by adding apostrophe and s to a singular or apostrophe alone to a plural. By this style rule, you would express the plural of Ross as Ross's. From The New York Time Manual of Style and Usage (1999): possessives.
Is it Dennis or Dennis's?
For nouns ending with an unpronounced s, add apostrophe‐s. For singular common nouns ending in s or an s sound followed by words beginning with s, add an apostrophe if the term ends in s; otherwise, add apostrophe‐s. If a company or group name ends with an apostrophe‐s, use as is (don't add or change anything).
Which is correct Jesus or Jesus's?
This factor is almost as complicated as properly saying something belongs to this. There are several different style guides for writing the English language. When you follow the rules of The Associated Press Stylebook, Jesus' is proper. With all other style guides, Jesus's is correct.
Apostrophe Use: Contractions and Omissions
A contraction is a shortened form of a word (or group of words) that omits certain letters or sounds. In a contraction, an apostrophe represents mi...
Apostrophes and Possessive Nouns
The rules about forming possessives probably cause the most apostrophe confusion. They vary a little bit, depending on what type of noun you are ma...
Apostrophes With Surrounding Punctuation
An apostrophe is part of the word it belongs to, so it should not be separated from the word by periods, commas, question marks, or any other punct...
When to Check A Style Guide
Sooner or later, you’ll come across a phrase that sounds fine out loud but looks weird on paper because of the apostrophes. Do’s and don’ts? Dos an...
What does an apostrophe do in writing?
Apostrophes serve two basic functions in writing: to show possession. to indicate that letters have been removed to form a contraction. Learn more about the different ways apostrophes are used with an examination of possessives and contractions at work, including lots of examples.
How to use an apostrophe after a noun?
2. Use an apostrophe after the "s" (s') at the end of a plural noun to show possession. It is not necessary to add another "s" to the end of a possessive plural noun. 3. If a plural noun doesn't end in "s," add an apostrophe + "s" to create the possessive form.
What do you do if a noun doesn't end in "s"?
If a plural noun doesn't end in "s," add an apostrophe + "s" to create the possessive form. Remember, a possessive noun needs an apostrophe and an "s" at the end. If there's already an "s" there, you can just add the apostrophe. If there's no "s," you have to add both — first the apostrophe, and then the "s.".
How to use "s" in a name?
1. Use an apostrophe +"s" ('s) to show that one person/thing owns or is a member of something. Style guides vary when it comes to a name that ends in an "s.". Even if the name ends in "s," it's still correct to add another " 's " to create the possessive form.
Do you need an apostrophe after "s"?
If the word already has an "s," it only needs an apostrophe. If the word does not already have an "s," it needs the apostrophe followed by "s.". However, when to use apostrophe "s" or an apostrophe after "s," can vary by preference for words that end in "s.".
Can you make two owners possessive?
However, if each individual owns separate versions of the same type of item, then you would make both owners possessive . For example, if Dave and Alice both own a separate car, it would be "Alice 's and Dave 's cars. "
Is it hard to master apostrophes?
However, they aren't difficult to master if you can remember a few apostrophe rules. Learn the different apostrophe rules for creating possessives and contractions. possessive and contraction apostrophe rules. Advertisement.
Why do we put an apostrophe in a sentence?
In that sentence, the verb do is used as a plural noun, and the apostrophe was added because the writer felt that dos was confusing.
How to use apostrophes in a compound noun?
If the compound noun ( e.g., brother-in-law) is to be made plural, form the plural first ( brothers-in-law ), and then use the apostrophe + s. Example: my two brothers-in-law's hats. Rule 4a. If two people possess the same item, put the apostrophe + s after the second name only.
Do you add an apostrophe to every noun?
There is no right answer; the best advice is to choose a formula and stay consistent. Rule 1c. Some writers and editors add only an apostrophe to all nouns ending in s. And some add an apostrophe + s to every proper noun, be it Hastings's or Jones's. One method, common in newspapers and magazines, is to add an apostrophe + s (' s) ...
When to use apostrophes?
When to Use an Apostrophe: The Rules Made Easy. Apostrophes have been evading consensus since they were first used in the 1500s to indicate omitted letters. Later, printers started using them for possessives. Today, apostrophes have a few important functions, but the rules can get tricky - even for experienced writers.
What is an apostrophe in writing?
Apostrophes are tiny punctuation marks, but they can have a huge impact. The rules can be confusing sometimes, so if you still find yourself mouthing “it is” to yourself when writing “it’s” - you’re in good company. Here are the do’s and don’ts of using apostrophes.
Do you use apostrophes for plurals?
Don’t: Use apostrophes for plurals (with a few exceptions) Using apostrophes for plurals is a common mistake that is so common it has its own name: the grocer’s apostrophe, because that’s where you’ll find the biggest offenders: “5 Pineapple’s for $10”.
Do you use apostrophes for possessive nouns?
When it comes to apostrophes and possessive nouns, the rules change depending on the specific type of noun. 01. Singular nouns. Add apostrophe + s to the end of the noun: The dog’s toy was behind the couch. The boss’s dog made a mess.
What does an apostrophe mean in a word?
The apostrophe has two, and only two, uses: To show possession. To indicate the omission of letters or numbers. To further illustrate this point, let us examine some of the rules that dictate when apostrophes should be used and where they should be placed in a word. Have a look!
When to put apostrophe after second name?
If two people possess the same item, put the apostrophe + s after the second name only. Examples: Sara and Mabel’s home is constructed of redwood. However, if one of the joint owners is written as a pronoun, use the possessive form for both. Examples: Incorrect: Maribel and my home.
How to make a regular noun plural?
Rule # 2. Regular nouns are nouns that form their plurals by adding either the letter s or es (guy, guys; letter, letters; actress, actresses; etc.). To show plural possession, simply put an apostrophe after the s. Similarly, do not use an apostrophe + s to make a regular noun plural.
What is the rule for compound nouns?
Rule # 3. With a singular compound noun has to show possession, it does with an apostrophe + s at the end of the word. Examples: my mother-in-law’s hat. If the compound noun (e.g., brother-in-law) is to be made plural, form the plural first (brothers-in-law), and then use the apostrophe + s. Examples:
How do irregular nouns become plural?
English also has many irregular nouns (child, nucleus, tooth, etc.). These nouns become plural by changing their spelling, sometimes becoming quite different words. Write out the entire irregular plural noun before adding an apostrophe or an apostrophe + s. Examples: Incorrect: two childrens’ hats.
How to show possession with a singular noun?
They vary a little bit, depending on what type of noun you are making into a possessive. Use the apostrophe to show possession. To show possession with a singular noun, add an apostrophe plus the letter s. Examples: a woman’s hat.
What is the most abused punctuation mark?
The apostrophe may be considered the most abused punctuation mark in the English language. The rules for the apostrophe are much more definite, but they are frequently misapplied. So misunderstanding is being seen often in this case.
When to use apostrophes in a sentence?
When using a singular noun, the apostrophe is used before the s. For example: “The squirrel’s nuts were stashed in a hollow tree.”. When using a plural noun, the apostrophe goes after the s. For example: “The squirrels’ nuts were hidden in several hollow trees throughout the forest.”.
What is a contract verb?
Creating Contracted Verbs with Apostrophes. Contracted verbs are single words that have been formed from a subject and a verb. While contracted verbs might not always be acceptable for use in academic prose or in business writing, they can be extremely useful for personal communication and many other forms of writing.
Can apostrophes be used incorrectly?
Apostrophes are tiny, but they can cause big problems when they are used incorrectly. This basic guide is designed to help you learn how & when to use an apostrophe – the right way.
How to use apostrophes in 11 easy steps?
How to Use Apostrophes in Eleven Easy Steps. Do not use apostrophes to indicate plurality. Use an apostrophe before the s to indicate ownership. Use an apostrophe before the s to indicate membership. Use an apostrophe after the s to indicate collective ownership.
When to use an apostrophe?
Use an apostrophe to indicate contractions. It’s means “it is”. Use an apostrophe before the s at the end of a list of owners or members. When a singular noun ends in s, still use ‘s to indicate possession and membership unless otherwise requested. Use an apostrophe to indicate omissions.
What is the biggest apostrophe?
The biggest apostrophe make is the use of apostrophes for plurals. Apostrophes do not indicate plurality. One girl makes two girls, not two girl’s. One glass makes two glasses, not two glass’s. No, no, no.
What is the apostrophe before the s?
The apostrophe goes before the s if it’s one person who is the owner or member of something; and the apostrophe goes after the s if it’s multiple people who are the owners or members of something.
When do you put an apostrophe on something?
When one person owns something, we use an apostrophe then an s. This is the most common way that apostrophes will be used, and the easiest rule to remember. If you own it, put an apostrophe on it. The technical word for this is ‘possessive apostrophe’. Let’s take a look:
Why are some words irregular?
This means that for some reason our ancestors made unique words to signify ‘many’ of a particular name or object. Here’s some examples:
Do apostrophes work when there are many people?
While the above rules work for when a single person owns something, it doesn’t work when there are many people. For example, if we have own mother who has a baby, the rule of having an apostrophe before the s works:
How to form possessives?
The general rule is that the possessive of a singular noun is formed by adding an apostrophe and s, whether the singular noun ends in s or not. Examples. the lawyer’s fee. the child’s toy. the girl’s parents.
What are some examples of possessive nouns?
Examples. excessive lawyers’ fees. children’s toys. the twins’ parents. the student teachers’ supervisor.
Can you avoid contractions in writing?
An absolute avoidance of contractions, however, is likely to make your writing appear stilted and unwelcoming. If you are unsure where to insert the apostrophe when forming a contraction, consult a good dictionary.
Do you use an apostrophe for singular nouns?
Use only an apostrophe for singular nouns that are in the form of a plural—or have a final word in the form of a plural—ending with an s. Nouns that end in an s sound take only an apostrophe when they are followed by sake. A proper noun that is already in possessive form is left as is.
Is it acceptable to indicate a year with only the last two digits preceded by an apostroph
In informal writing, it is acceptable to indicate a year with only the last two digits preceded by an apostrophe (e.g., the class of ’85, pop music from the ’80s ).
Is "let us" an apostrophe?
Avoid two of the most common contraction–apostrophe errors: the contraction of it is is it’s, and the contraction of let us is let’s; without the apostrophe, its is the possessive form of it, and lets is a form of the verb let, as in “to allow or permit.”. It’s often said that every dog has its day.
Is the apostrophe separated from the word?
The apostrophe should never be separated from the word to which it attaches by adjacent punctuation. The house on the left is the Smiths’, but the house at the end of the street is the Whites’. The house on the left is the Smiths,’ but the house at the end of the street is the Whites.’.
Apostrophe Placement Rules
You can use an apostrophe and the letter s to show possession. This page covers the rules governing the placement of the apostrophe.
Where Do You Place the Apostrophe?
When using an apostrophe for possession, the first thing to think about is whether the possessor is singular or plural. This is important because it determines where the apostrophe is placed. Here are some examples with the possessors highlighted:
An Exception (Plural Nouns Not Ending S)
For plural words not ending s (e.g., men, people, children ), add 's (like they were singular). For example:
Another Exception (Singular Nouns Ending S)
For singular words ending s (e.g., Wales, Wells, Jesus ), you have a choice. You can add ' or 's. The general rule is write it how you would pronounce it. For example:
Another Exception (The Possessive Form of Compound Nouns)
With compound nouns (e.g., father-in-law ), add 's to the end. It does not matter is the compound noun is singular or plural. For example:
A Quirk (Apostrophes with Joint and Individual Ownership)
With joint ownership, make the last word in the series possessive. With individual ownership, make both parts possessive (or all parts if there are more than two). For example:
The History of the Apostrophe for Ownership
The principal function of an apostrophe is to replace a missing letter (e.g., "don't," "isn't"). This is related to why apostrophes are used for ownership.