When should you not use an apostrophe?
But never add an apostrophe to multi-letter initialisms such as DVDs, RNs or FAQs. Now that you know when not to use an apostrophe, this big grammar issue should seem as small as the tiny punctuation mark itself. If you remember to only use apostrophes when you're using contractions and noun possessions, you'll avoid many common grammar errors.
What is the symbol for apostrophe?
The symbol (‘) or (’) is called an apostrophe in the English language. Its top is level with those of the letters surrounding it. It may be written either straight or curled with a knob at the top.
How do you replace the apostrophe in'you are'?
Replace the word with "you are" if you're unsure. Keep the apostrophe if it works; lose the apostrophe if you're showing possession (your dog, your dress). Remembering that apostrophes mainly like to hang out with contractions, there's only one time an apostrophe enters into the there, their, they're family of homophones.
Is an apostrophe an accessory?
An apostrophe is not an accessory. Here are examples of how and when to use an apostrophe—and when you definitely shouldn't. Little punctuation marks—like a comma, question mark, or an apostrophe—can make or break the flow or meaning of a sentence. In fact, this is how confusing life would be without proper punctuation.
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 mean in a sentence?
Apostrophes are the curly floating commas in sentences that usually indicate possession or a contraction . There are a few set phrases and holidays, however, that also use apostrophes. In fact, apostrophes have some of the most confusing grammar rules in the English language.
What is a little punctuation mark?
Little punctuation marks—like a comma, question mark, or an apostrophe—can make or break the flow or meaning of a sentence. In fact, this is how confusing life would be without proper punctuation. For grammar and punctuation nerds, a poorly placed apostrophe especially brings chills.
Do you need an apostrophe for a noun?
Most plural nouns only need an apostrophe, such as, “The dogs’ leashes.”. Plural nouns not ending in “s” need both an apostrophe and “s”: “The children’s toys.”. Plus, if something isn’t usually plural, you also add an apostrophe and “s.”. For example, “Make sure to dot your T’s and cross your I’s.”. Learn all of the rules behind pluralizing ...
Can you put an apostrophe on a holiday card?
When to use an apostrophe for dates depends on how you want to write the date. Don’t add an apostrophe “s” to the end of the whole number. Instead, for abbreviated dates, put the apostrophe in the front.
Do personal pronouns have apostrophes?
On the other hand, personal pronouns do not use apostrophes to form possessives. Instead, these pronouns have different spellings. So “they” becomes “their” to show possession. Another example is “it.”. If you want to indicate possession, use “its.”.
Do you add an apostrophe at the end of a number?
As for numbers that aren’t years, you shouldn’t add an apostrophe plus “s” to the end. So if you’re talking about age, the man is in his 30s—not his 30’s. Using apostrophes correctly is one easy way to boost your writing.
Apostrophe to show two words have been connected (contraction)
We sometimes connect two words to make one shorter word. We use an apostrophe to show that we have left out one or more letters:
Apostrophe with time
We can use an apostrophe + s to show duration. When the time noun is plural, the apostrophe comes after the s:
Apostrophe: typical error
We use an apostrophe to contract it is to it’s. We don’t use an apostrophe with possessive its:
Why is it called the grocer's apostrophe?
Sometimes, it’s called the grocer’s apostrophe because of how frequently it is spotted in grocery store advertisements ( 3 orange’s for a dollar! ). Don’t do it! With very few exceptions, apostrophes do not make nouns plural.
Is an apostrophe a punctuation mark?
Apostrophes with Surrounding Punctuation. An apostrophe is part of the word it belongs to, so it should not be separate d from the word by periods, commas, question marks, or any other punctuation mark.
Is "grocer" an apostrophe?
Apostrophes and Plurals. Using an unnecessary apostrophe to form the plural of a noun is a very common mistake. Sometimes, it’s called the grocer’s apostrophe because of how frequently it is spotted in grocery store advertisements ( 3 orange’s for a dollar! ). Don’t do it!
Do you add an apostrophe to a possessive?
The rules about forming possessives probably cause the most apostrophe confusion. They vary a little bit, depending on what type of noun you are making into a possessive. Here are the rules of thumb: For most singular nouns, add apostrophe+s: For most plural nouns, add only an apostrophe :
Do apostrophes make nouns plural?
With very few exceptions, apostrophes do not make nouns plural. The one notable exception to this rule is the plural form of lowercase letters, which are formed with an apostrophe to prevent misreading: Don’t forget to dot all your is. Don’t forget to dot all your i’s.
Apostrophe to show two words have been connected (contraction)
We sometimes connect two words to make one shorter word. We use an apostrophe to show that we have left out one or more letters:
Apostrophe with time
We can use an apostrophe + s to show duration. When the time noun is plural, the apostrophe comes after the s:
Apostrophe: typical error
We use an apostrophe to contract it is to it’s. We don’t use an apostrophe with possessive its:
What is an apostrophe in a sentence?
The apostrophe (a-POS-tro-fee) is a single vertical mark (‘) or (’). Learn useful apostrophe rules with example sentences and infographic to help you use this punctuation mark correctly.
Is there an apostrophe for a letter with a single letter?
Sometimes, if a plural with a single letter or symbol looks odd with just a letter “s,” an apostrophe is used. It may also be omitted in these situations, but be consistent.
Why do we use an apostrophe?
The most common usage of an apostrophe is to connect two words. It’s a modern way of shortening sentences and getting to the point. Above, it has (also could be shortened to it’s!) been already used twice to connect “we” and “have” as well as “here” and “is”. Therefore, the apostrophe is used to leave out one or more letters to make sentences ...
Can an apostrophe mess up a sentence?
The apostrophe must be used correctly and if not used, can sometimes mess up the meaning of a whole sentence. They seem to be misused a lot and many people struggle on how to rightly use them. Even as a native speaker, it can get difficult to get your head around the apostrophe usage!
Do you put an apostrophe after the s in a name?
However, be careful because with names ending with s, you either add an extra s or add an apostrophe after the s: “ Charles’s car is parked outside the window” or “Charles’ car is parked outside the window”. When the noun is plural, the apostrophe comes after the S like: “The teachers’ meeting”.
What does the apostrophe mean in the word "possession"?
By Marina Pantcheva. The apostrophe has two functions: it marks possession, and it is used in contractions to indicate the place where the letters have been omitted. Possession. In singular, possession is marked by ’ s, written immediately after the possessor. (1) John’s car.
Is it wrong to put an apostrophe in possession?
Avoid the apostrophe to mark possession with pronouns. A very common mistake is to place an apostrophe in the possessive form of pronouns like its, yours, hers, ours, theirs. Although this makes perfect sense, it is considered wrong. (31) I’ve lost my pen.
Is there an apostrophe before "s"?
Important: there is no apostrophe before the possessive –s with pronouns. If the possessor is expressed by more than one word, ’s comes after the last word. Use ’ s with singular possessors that end in – s or –z. Plural possessors that end in –s take only the apostrophe.
Apostrophes Showing Possession
Singular Nouns and Most Personal Names
Personal Names That End in –S
Plural Nouns That End in –S
Plural Nouns That Do Not End in -S
Apostrophes Showing Omission
It’S Or its?
Apostrophes and Plural Forms
- The general rule is that you should not use an apostrophe to form the plurals of nouns, abbreviations, or dates made up of numbers: just add -s (or -es, if the noun in question forms its plural with -es). For example: It's very important to remember this grammatical rule. There are one or two cases in which it is acceptable to use an apostrophe to ...