An apostrophe ( ’) can show possession or indicate that letters or numbers have been omitted. They can also indicate ownership. 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.”
...
The apostrophe in contractions.
| Type | Without contractions | Contractions |
|---|---|---|
| Using "will" | I will, you will, she will, we will, they will | I'll, you'll, she'll, we'll, they'll |
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 are the 2 rules for apostrophe?
An apostrophe is a punctuation mark used to create a contraction or to show possession.Use an apostrophe when two words are shortened into one. ... Use an apostrophe when showing possession. ... Do not create a double or triple “s” when adding an apostrophe. ... Do not use an apostrophe with pronouns to show possession.More items...
What is will not with an apostrophe?
What Does Won't Mean? When we say won't, we are actually saying will not. The form with the apostrophe is a contraction, like “don't” and “can't.” We owe the “o” in won't to a sixteenth-century form of the word: wonnot. You won't find a better farmers market in the city.
What are the 3 Uses of 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 is correct James or James's?
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 LL or what will?
contraction of what will: What'll I do and what'll she say?
What will short form?
Will or 'll? We commonly use 'll as the short form of will and shall.
Will not or would not?
"Won't" is the short form of "will not". 'Wouldn't" is the short form of "would not" and would is the past form of will. Won't and wouldn't are very common and informal in use, whereas will not and would not are usually formal.
What are the 2 types of apostrophes?
There are two different kinds of apostrophes: smart and straight. To use them correctly, it helps to know how they work. Smart apostrophes, also known as curly or typographer's apostrophes, are the professional-looking marks preferred by most publishers.
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'.
What is apostrophe technique?
It occurs when a speaker breaks off from addressing the audience (e.g., in a play) and directs speech to a third party such as an opposing litigant or some other individual, sometimes absent from the scene. Often the addressee is a personified abstract quality or inanimate object.
Where does the apostrophe go in plural possessive?
PossessivesIn singular possessive terms, place the apostrophe before the "s." This will indicate ownership by one person or thing. ... In plural possessive terms, place the apostrophe after the "s." This will indicate to the reader that more than one person or thing owns the thing possessed.More items...
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 is an apostrophe?
An apostrophe is a punctuation mark that is most often used to form possessive nouns, to represent omitted letters, and to form some plurals. An apostrophe resembles a slanted mark or a dot with a tail ( ’ ). Typically, it is identical in appearance to the comma but is placed at the top of a line of text or writing rather than the bottom. This curved apostrophe is known as the typesetter’s apostrophe. Apostrophes can be displayed in a few ways, however. A typewriter’s apostrophe looks like a straight mark ( ＇ ).
When do you add an apostrophe and an S?
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.”
What does an apostrophe mean in a year?
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.”.
What do you do when a singular noun ends in S?
If a singular noun does end in S, you should add an apostrophe and an S to make the word possessive. Examples include “the class ’ s field trip,” “the actress ’ s award,” and “Ross ’ s daughter.”
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.
Why do writers use contractions?
Some writers use less common contractions when they want to represent a particular style of speech. They might write somethin’ to represent the way people often don’t pronounce the final g of “something” in speech. Occasionally, you might see e’er (instead of ever) in poetry. And, of course, in the American South, you will probably encounter y’all (you all). Decade names are often contracted as well: the ’60s (the 1960s).
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 ).
Does Grammarly save you from mistakes?
Here’s a tip: Want to make sure your writing always looks great? Grammarly can save you from misspellings, grammatical and punctuation mistakes, and other writing issues on all your favorite websites.
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 :
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 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.
When to use an apostrophe after "s"?
2. Use an apostrophe after the "s" (s') at the end of a plural noun to show possession.
What do you do if a plural noun doesn't end in "s"?
3. If a plural noun doesn't end in "s," add an apostrophe + "s" to create the possessive form.
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 have to use an apostrophe when you take something out?
As for contractions, the only apostrophe rule you need to remember is that if you take something out, replace it with something else. Then squish everything together, so it looks like one word. Now, are you ready for some fun? Learn when NOT to use an apostrophe!
Can you add possessive to final item?
If both people own the same item together, you can add the possessive to the final one.
Do possessives need an apostrophe?
English apostrophe rules are not difficult to master. Just remember that all possessives need an apostrophe and an "s" at the end. 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."
What are the apostrophes in a sentence?
Some additional key details about apostrophe: 1 Apostrophe, the figure of speech, should not be confused with apostrophe, the punctuation mark. 2 The word "apostrophe," which comes from ancient Greek, literally means "turning away," because to perform apostrophe on stage, an actor turns away from the scene to address an absent entity. 3 An apostrophe is often introduced by the exclamation "O," as when Juliet cries out: "O Romeo, Romeo, Wherefore art thou Romeo?" 4 Apostrophe appears most often in poetry and plays, though it can appear in prose literature as well. 5 Apostrophe always addresses its object in the second person. Sometimes this address involves the word "you" or the more formal "thou." Other times the "you" is not included, as when the narrator of Herman Melville's story Bartleby, the Scrivener ends his tale with the despairing apostrophe: "Ah, Bartleby! Ah, humanity!"
Why Do Writers Use Apostrophe?
Apostrophe is used primarily to express strong emotion (like love, hate, fear, or anger), but it allows the speaker or writer to do so by directly addressing the subject of their thoughts or feelings, which makes the expression less abstract. Speakers or characters may use apostrophe to make an impassioned plea or prayer, to celebrate a happy occasion, or to lament a loss. The device creates a heightened emotional atmosphere in a literary work, often forming a peak in a given scene.
Why is the apostrophe in "To the Reader" an example?
Beaudelaire's poem "To The Reader" may therefore be considered an example of apostrophe, because Beaudelaire describes the reader and makes him come to life, addressing him directly at the end:
What does the apostrophe mean in the figure of speech?
The word "apostrophe," which comes from ancient Greek, literally means "turning away, " because to perform apostrophe on stage, an actor turns away from the scene to address an absent entity.
How does Wordsworth personify the cliffs and islands?
Here, in addition to performing an apostrophe in which the speaker addresses the cliffs and islands, Wordsworth personifies those cliffs and islands by imagining them as capable of knowing someone. However, though apostrophe often involves personification of inanimate objects or abstract ideas, it certainly doesn't always.
What is an apotrophe?
Here’s a quick and simple definition: Apostrophe is a figure of speech in which a speaker directly addresses someone (or something) that is not present or cannot respond in reality. The entity being addressed can be an absent, dead, or imaginary person, but it can also be an inanimate object (like stars or the ocean), ...
Why do we use apostrophes in music?
Many different genres of music make use of apostrophe, as it creates a direct emotional attachment between the singer and his or her subject.
Why do some words have an apostrophe?
In special cases, such as when forming a plural of a word that is not normally a noun, some writers add an apostrophe for clarity.
What is the apostrophe for "s"?
One method, common in newspapers and magazines, is to add an apostrophe + s (’ s) to common nouns ending in s, but only a stand-alone apostrophe to proper nouns ending in s.
How to show plural possession?
To show plural possession, simply put an apostrophe after the s.
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. You may find it helpful to write out the entire irregular plural noun before adding an apostrophe or an apostrophe + s.
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.
What is the rule for apostrophes?
Rule 1. Using an apostrophe to show singular possession
What is an apostrophe?
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 the apostrophe used for in a contract?
Contractions, or shortened groups of words, use the apostrophe to replace the missing letter. For example, if you want to connect “do not,” you can use an apostrophe to replace the second “o” making the new word “don’t.” Other common words that are often combined include “not,” “are,” “would,” “had,” and “will.” These omissions make words and sentences easier to read and write, too. Things get confusing if misuse apostrophes, but it’s OK to safely ignore these strict grammar rules.
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 put an apostrophe in a singular noun?
You don’t just randomly decide when to use an apostrophe. For most singular nouns, you add an apostrophe and “s” to make it possessive or to show ownership. For example, “The cat’s litter box.” Most plural nouns only need an apostrophe, such as, “The dogs’ leashes.” If you’re dealing with a plural word or name that already ends in “s,” add an “-es” to the end to pluralize it, followed by an apostrophe, like “The walruses’ tusks.” Plural nouns not ending in “s” need both an apostrophe and “s”: “The children’s toys.”
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.
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 ...
Do apostrophes pluralize numbers?
The same rule for decades applies here. Apostrophes don’t pluralize numbers any more than they do words. So if you’re talking about age, the man is in his 30s—not his 30’s.
Why do we use apostrophes in letters?
To avoid confusion, you may occasionally need to use apostrophes to indicate the plural forms of certain letters and expressions that aren't commonly found in the plural — for example: Mind your p's and q's . Nordquist, Richard. "A Guide to Using Apostrophes Correctly.". ...
What is an apostrophe in a sentence?
An apostrophe is a mark of punctuation ( ') used to identify a noun in the possessive case or indicate the omission of one or more letters from a word. The apostrophe has two main jobs in English: to mark contractions and to indicate possession. While that may sound simple enough, many people are baffled by the little squiggle.
How to use apostrophe plus s?
Use an apostrophe plus -s to show the possessive form of a singular noun, even if that singular noun already ends in -s. To form the possessive of singular nouns, add 's , as in Homer's job or the dog's breakfast. Some other examples include: "The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom. ".
How to use apostrophes in a contraction?
How to Use Apostrophes to Make Contractions. Use apostrophes to form contractions, where two or more words are combined to form one, with letters omitted. The apostrophe replaces the omitted letter (s). The classes of words that are most frequently affected by contractions are verbs and pronouns.
What is a possessive of a noun that ends in a letter other than s?
To form the possessive of plural nouns that end in a letter other than s, add 's , as in the women's cars. Other examples include: The women's conference (the conference belonging to the women) The children's toys (the toys belonging to the children)
How to make a possessive of a noun that ends in a s?
To form the possessive of a plural noun that already ends in -s, simply add an apostrophe, as in the bankers' bonuses , the coaches' offices, and in these examples:
When do you add an apostrophe to a noun?
By contrast, when two or more nouns separately possess something, add an apostrophe to each noun listed:
