Here’s the short answer to “when should I use apostrophes?”:
- To replace letters and numbers (you’re, the ‘30s)
- To show possession (the dog’s banana)
- To avoid confusing readers (dot your i’s)
What is the correct way to use apostrophe?
The Carolers’ Carols and Shelly’s Shells: Using Apostrophes to Indicate Possession
- 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. ...
- When using a word that is pluralized without an s, add an s to the end of the word and place the apostrophe in front of it. ...
What are the 3 uses of apostrophe?
Apostrophe Rules: The Three Functions of Apostrophes in Written English
- Apostrophes. Just as all punctuations marks ensure the clarity of writing for readers, apostrophes function to clarify the function of nouns by indicating possession and showing omissions.
- Possessive Nouns. Use apostrophes to form possessive nouns. ...
- Contractions and omissions. ...
- Pluralize lowercase letters and words used as words. ...
- Printable Download. ...
How to correctly use apostrophes?
Part 1 Part 1 of 4: Using Possessive Apostrophes
- Use an apostrophe to indicate ownership by a proper noun. ...
- Be consistent when you use apostrophes after words that end in "s." When someone's name ends with an "s," it is acceptable to use an apostrophe without an "s" ...
- Don't use an apostrophe to indicate ownership when using "it". ...
- Use apostrophes to indicate ownership by a plural noun. ...
Where to use apostrophes correctly?
Using English Apostrophes Correctly
- Use an apostrophe with contractions. The apostrophe is placed where a letter or letters have been removed.
- Apostrophes are used to denote possession. ...
- Possessive Plurals and Proper Names ending in -s. ...
- Apostrophes are NEVER ever used to create plurals! ...
- There are various approaches to plurals for abbreviations, single letters, and numerals. ...
When should you use an apostrophe?
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...
Where apostrophe is used in a sentence?
The apostrophe has two functions: it marks possession, and it is used in contractions to indicate the place where the letters have been omitted. In singular, possession is marked by 's, written immediately after the possessor. Important: there is no apostrophe before the possessive –s with pronouns.
What are the 2 types of apostrophes?
There are two different kinds of apostrophes: smart and straight.
How do you remember the apostrophe rule?
Ownership. A major use of apostrophes is to indicate possession, or ownership. For example, the bone of the dog is the dog's bone. If we leave out the apostrophe in dog's bone, we have dogs, indicating the plural—that is, many dogs—which will cause momentary confusion for the reader.
What is apostrophe and its examples?
Definition of apostrophe : a mark ' used to indicate the omission of letters or figures, the possessive case (as in "John's book"), or the plural of letters or figures (as in "the 1960's") In the contraction "can't," the apostrophe replaces two of the letters in the word "cannot.".
Is it Chris's or Chris '?
Which is correct, Chris's chair or Chris' chair? 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.
What is apostrophe mark with example?
Apostrophes can be used to indicate possessives (for example, “my dad's recipe.”) Apostrophes can be used to form contractions, where they indicate the omission of characters (for example, “don't” instead of “do not.”)
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...
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.”.
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.
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.
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.
Showing possession
The apostrophe ( ’ ) is used to show that something belongs to someone. It is usually added to the end of a word and followed by an -s.
With letters and numbers
An apostrophe is used in front of two figures referring to a year or decade.
Contracted forms
An apostrophe is used in shortened forms of words to show that one or more letters have been missed out. Contractions are usually shortened forms of auxiliary verbs
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.
What does an apostrophe mean?
Apostrophes can also be used to indicate that the first two digits of a year have been omitted. You’ve probably seen this in cases like “the class of ’ 93,” “the ’ 08 election” and “the Roaring ’ 20s.”
When do you add an apostrophe to a noun?
When a singular noun doesn’t end in S , you just need to add an apostrophe and an S to make it possessive. Examples include “the boy ’ s bike,” “the dog ’ s leash,” and “Bob ’ s house.”. If a singular noun does end in S, you should add an apostrophe and an S to make the word possessive.
Do you need an apostrophe at the end of a noun?
If a noun is plural and ends in S, you only need to add an apostrophe at the end to make it possessive. Examples include “the students ’ tests,” “the girls ’ backpacks,” and “the Morris ’ car.”. In the case of irregular plural nouns that don’t end in S, add an apostrophe and an S to the word to make it possessive.
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) ...
What is an apostrophe in a letter?
An apostrophe can be used to replace a letter or letters (e.g., "isn't," "can't"). The new word formed is called a contraction. Contractions are not usually used in formal correspondence. When I was born I was so surprised I didn't talk for a year and a half.
What are the four uses of apostrophes?
Apostrophes have four uses: (1) To show possession. a dog's kennel. our boys' bedroom. (2) To write time expressions. a day's pay. two weeks' holiday. (3) To replace letters in contractions.
Why don't you put an apostrophe on a word?
Don't add an apostrophe to a word just because the word ends with the letter "s." This is a common mistake, and it is a grammatical howler. (In other words, your readers will think you're a bit dim if you keep doing it.)
What goes before the apostrophe?
The basic rules are as follows: The Basic Rules. The apostrophe goes before the "s" for a singular possessor: one dog's kennel. It goes after the "s" for a plural possessor: two dogs' kennel. There are exceptions to these rules, and they are covered below. However, here is a simple 100% rule that works for everything:
Do plural words end with "s"?
An exception to the rule: plural words that don't end "s". The most notable exception is when the plural doesn't end in "s" (e.g., "children," "women," "people," "men"). These words have the apostrophe before the "s" (even though they're plural). For example:
Do you use apostrophes to show plurals?
The first thing to say about this topic is that apostrophes are not normally used to show plurals, and lots of your readers will hate it if you use an apostrophe for this purpose. However, that said, there are times when it helps to use an apostrophe to show a plural. For example: There are two i's in skiing.
Do you use apostrophes in skiing?
There are two Is in skiing. You use too many "but"s in your writing. The bottom line is apostrophes can be used in this way and for good reason — the apostrophe version is usually neater and clearer. However, be aware that you run the risk of annoying a high proportion of your readers if you do it.