Correct Use
- A possessive apostrophe indicates possession of something.
- Depending on the word, it can be used by itself or in front of an “s.” ○The flowers ’ petals were all over the floor. ○The pilot ’s suitcase was found and returned.
- There are exceptions to using a possessive apostrophe. For example, possessive pronouns like yours and theirs are written without an apostrophe.
What are the reasons for using an apostrophe?
- When the day is used as a possessive. ‘Monday’s child is fair of face; Tuesday’s child is full of grace.’
- When the day is followed by is, and we use a contraction. Sunday’s the first day of the week. [Sunday is the first day of the week.]
- When we are texting or taking notes, we might want to abbreviate. W’day for Wednesday, for instance.
What are some examples using an apostrophe?
Here are some examples of the apostrophe in well-known song lyrics:
- Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star / How I wonder what you are
- O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree / How lovely are thy branches
- Hey, hey, set me free / Stupid Cupid stop picking on me
- It’s up to you / New York, New York
- Little Red Corvette / You need a love that’s gonna last
- Hello darkness, my old friend / I’ve come to talk with you again
When should I use an apostrophe?
Apostrophes are used to show possession (e.g., dog's dinner), in time expressions (e.g., 2 years' pay), in contractions (e.g., isn't) and, on rare occasions, to show plurals (Z's and 2's). This lesson explains the correct use of apostrophes and has a test and a learning widget.
What is the proper use of an apostrophe?
When Do You Use Apostrophe S?
- Possessive Nouns. If you have a noun, such as “ball,” “Fred,” or “liberty,” you’ll need an apostrophe S to show possession.
- Plural Possessives. For plural possessive nouns ending in S, simply add an apostrophe to the end of the word. ...
- Compound Ownership. ...
- Contractions. ...
- Plural Nouns. ...
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.
How do you punctuate a possessive pronoun?
Possession is usually indicated by attaching an apostrophe s to a noun. However, only contracted pronouns (e.g., it's for it is) end with an apostrophe s. To show pronoun ownership, we rely on the possessive forms, such as my, mine, his, her, hers, their, theirs, our, ours, and its.
What is the rule for possessives apostrophes and pronouns?
Apostrophes and possessive pronouns Personal pronouns, unlike regular nouns, do not use apostrophes to form possessives. Most writers don't have trouble with the possessive pronouns my, mine, his, her, and our. It's your, yours, hers, its, ours, their, and theirs, that tend to cause the confusion.
How do you use possessive apostrophe examples?
Let's take a look at some examples.The cat's tail was fluffy. Cat is a singular noun so you need to add an apostrophe and "s" to show that the tail belongs to the cat.Charles' cat was naughty. ... The brothers' feet were muddy. ... The children's toys were broken.
What are 5 examples of possessive?
Examples of Possessive NounsApple's taste.Book's cover.Boss's car.Cat's tuna.Computer's keyboard.Deer's antlers.Diane's book.Diabetes's symptoms.More items...
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 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.
Where does apostrophe go for possession?
Apostrophes to show possession are used to create possessive nouns, which show 'ownership' or 'possession' of something. We use apostrophes to show possession by adding either the apostrophe + 's' ('s) or just an apostrophe to the end of the noun showing possession.
What are the 2 types of apostrophes?
The two types of apostrophes are apostrophes of possession and contraction.
What are possessive pronouns examples?
The independent possessive pronouns are mine, ours, yours, his, hers, its, and theirs. The possessive adjectives, also called possessive determiners, are my, our, your, his, her, its, and their.
Is it brothers or brother's?
Brothers is the plural for brother. Brother's is the singular possessive form of brother. Brothers' is the plural possessive form of Brothers. Brothers or Brother's or Brothers' are all pronounced the same way.
Does the apostrophe go after the S?
Generally, if the noun is singular, the apostrophe goes before the s. The witch's broom. If the noun is plural, the apostrophe goes after the s: The witches' brooms. However, if the word is pluralized without an s, the apostrophe comes before the s: He entered the men's room with an armload of children's clothing.
What are the 10 examples of possessive pronoun?
Possessive pronouns include my, mine, our, ours, its, his, her, hers, their, theirs, your and yours. These are all words that demonstrate ownership. If the book belongs to me, then it is mine.
What are the 7 possessive nouns?
As their names imply, both possessive adjectives and possessive pronouns show ownership. The independent possessive pronouns are mine, ours, yours, his, hers, its, and theirs.
What are the two types of possessive pronouns?
We use pronouns to refer to possession and 'belonging'. There are two types: possessive pronouns and possessive determiners. We use possessive determiners before a noun....Pronouns: possessive (my, mine, your, yours, etc.)personal pronounpossessive determinerpossessive pronounImymineyou (singular and plural)youryourshehishissheherhers4 more rows•Sep 21, 2022
How do you use his or her and their?
Pronouns, on the other hand, have different forms. The forms he, she and they are used when a pronoun is the subject of a sentence. The forms him, her and them are used when a pronoun is the object of a sentence. The forms his, her, hers, their and theirs are possessive in nature.
Is "it's" an apostrophe?
Actually, the possessive it'sused to have an apostrophe not very long ago. See Etymonline: "at first commonly written it's, a spelling retained by some to the beginning of the 19c". Wiktionary has cites from 1603 and 1751.
Do you give pronouns in a question?
A lot of good points, but you don't give any pronouns (to answer the question). This would be better suited as a comment or an answer to a related question where your research and contributions are most welcome.
What is an apostrophe in letters?
An apostrophe is use with letters in showing possession or ownership. If you want to know more about possessive apostrophes, this page will guide you and will give more details about it.
What does the apostrophe in "the girls shoes are on the desk" mean?
The girls’ shoes are on the desk? The position of apostrophe in noun indicating possession of a something causes problems for EFL and ESL learners. The rules for apostrophes are very simple. What you need to do is to decide whether possessive noun is plural or singular as well as whether or not it will end in “s”.
Is "s" a plural noun?
In most singular nouns, what you need to do is to add apostrophe with the letter “s”. Keep in mind that an apostrophe with the letter “s” is never included to make plural noun even it is added with proper noun. Incorrect: This is Peters shoes. Correct: This is Peter’s shoes.
Do you need to add an apostrophe to a singular noun?
In addition, if singular noun is ending with “s”, you need to add apostrophe “s” especially, if extra syllable will be pronounce. If it is not pronounced or you think it is confusing to add the apostrophe “s”, then what you need is to add an apostrophe. Here are examples to check punctuation: The clothes’s hem.
Does Dennis Bridge have an apostrophe?
Dennis Bridge’s son. (Added syllable is not being pronounced) Take note: Some authorities add only an apostrophe to words ending with “s”, regardless of the pronuncia tion. With this, it is acceptable. Keep in mind that whatever standard you are following, you need to be consistent. For instance: The clothes’ hem.
Do you add an apostrophe to a possessive noun?
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.
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 :
Can you use possessive pronouns in joint constructions?
Using possessive personal pronouns in joint constructions often sounds awkward ( You have their and my gratitude ). Usually, the best solution is to rephrase the sentence to avoid the joint construction ( You have our gratitude or You have their gratitude and mine ).
Do you add an apostrophe to a singular noun?
Style guides vary in their recommendations of what to do when you have a singular proper noun that ends in s. Some recommend adding 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.
When to add an apostrophe in a sentence?
Only add an apostrophe when you’re replacing the phrase “it is” (it’s cold). In all other cases, you mean the possessive pronoun, and it doesn’t include an apostrophe (the ring lost its sparkle).
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 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.
Do you always check apostrophes in a style guide?
A quick note on style guides: if you follow a specific one in your writing, like the Associated Press or The New York Times - always check it to be sure. Some guides have their own rules for some very specific apostrophe conundrums, like Mr. Jones’ dog, A’s, and do’s and don’ts.
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 style guides have different rules for singular proper nouns?
Style guides have different rules for singular proper nouns.
