- Do not use an apostrophe in the possessive pronouns whose, ours, yours, his, hers, its, or theirs.
- Do not use an apostrophe in nouns that are plural but not possessive, such as CDs, 1000s, or 1960s.
- Do not use an apostrophe in verbs. Apostrophes sometimes show up in verbs that end in -s, such as marks, sees, or finds.
When should an apostrophe be used?
Sometimes one or more letters are omitted to shorten a word or term. An apostrophe is used to indicate missing letters. However, contractions are informal and are usually not appropriate to use in academic writing. In English, an apostrophe should almost never be used to form a plural, including with acronyms and decades.
When do you use apostrophe's before and after?
If the apostrophe appears before the letter s then it may denote that the possessive case is singular, i.e. the boy’s girlfriends. If it appears after the s, then it will most likely be plural, i.e. the girls’ boyfriends. However, if the name or word itself ends in s (for example, dress or Ozymandias ), then you find yourself in muddier waters.
What are the 5 examples of apostrophe?
- “Oh, coffee, my sweet dark coffee. What would I do without you?”
- “Please, please clouds. Don’t rain today.”
- “Let Hades come to me and swallow me whole.”
- “Why do you have to be such a pain, math?”
- “Shoes, my beautiful new shoes. You’ll look great with my black plaid skirt.”
When to use a semicolon and when not?
A semicolon is a punctuation mark that is somewhere between the comma and the period. Semicolons can be used instead of conjunctions or periods to link two or more independent clauses. They can also be used when a list contains multiple items. In short, it makes sure a sentence does not run on with too many commas; at the same time, it does not ...
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 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 can an apostrophe not do?
Apostrophes and Plurals Don't do it! 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.
What are the rules for correctly using an apostrophe?
If you encounter a singular noun that ends in s (class, Jess), you should use the plural noun rule and just add an apostrophe. For a plural noun that doesn't end in s, use the singular noun rule and add an apostrophe and 's'.
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...
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.
Do I use apostrophe for plural?
As a general rule, we never use an apostrophe in writing plural forms. (A plural form is one that denotes more than one of something.) Hence the things that those shops are selling are pizzas, videos, fine wines, cream teas and mountain bikes.
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.
Do I need an apostrophe after a last name?
Rule #1: A last name is always written out in its entirety. Think of it this way: It's their name, so you can't exactly change it, right? Rule #2: You never need an apostrophe when signing or addressing cards.
Is it Chris or Chris's?
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.
Is it James or James's?
Commentary: both James' birthday and James's birthday are grammatically correct. Remember: it's up to you! Use the version which best matches how you would pronounce it. Use James's if you pronounce it "Jamesiz", but use James' if you pronounce it "James".
Where do you put apostrophes?
Use an apostrophe to indicate that a noun owns something. Singular nouns take an's, even if the noun ends with s. Plural and collective nouns not ending in s also take an 's. Plural nouns that end with s have an apostrophe added after the s.
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.
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 is a possessive apostrophe example?
A possessive apostrophe is a form of apostrophe that you use to show that something belongs to or is connected to something else. For example, Linda's bag or the Queen's hat.
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'.
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.
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).
What to do if you are not following a style guide?
If you’re not following a specific style guide, choose the one that looks better to you and stay consistent.
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”.
When to use an apostrophe in a noun?
Apostrophes are used for possession and omission, not for plurals. For example:
How to get apostrophes wrong?
There are three ways to get apostrophes wrong: not using them, using them in the wrong place, or using them when you don’t need them.
Why do you need an apostrophe when you write a letter?
In this case, the apostrophe is necessary, because it makes the word clear and prevents a misreading or misunderstanding. For example:
Do you use apostrophes in dates?
Don’t use apostrophes for dates or acronyms
Is an apostrophe required for attributive nouns in AP style?
Exception: The apostrophe is not required for attributive nouns in AP style
Can you drop the apostrophe in Chicago?
If you’re following Chicago, you can’t drop the apostrophe, but for AP, it’s up to you.
Do you need an apostrophe for 1920?
Although you don’t need an apostrophe for the 1920s, you do need an apostrophe if you’re omitting the first two numbers and simply referring to a year or a decade, but the apostrophe will come at the beginning of the numbers. This follows the apostrophe as omission rule, which is where apostrophes replace words or letters that have been dropped in contractions or abbreviations. For example:
What is an apostrophe used for?
The apostrophe is used to. Indicate possession. Stand in for omitted letters or numbers. Form the plural of lowercase letters. You should aim to use a directional or smart apostrophe (i.e., ’ or ‘) as opposed to a straight or unidirectional mark ...
When do you add an apostrophe to a name?
When two or more people own something independently of each other, add an apostrophe+s to all names on the list.
How to use an apostrophe for joint possession?
How to use an apostrophe to indicate joint possession. Joint possession is something that trips me up all the time. (Even proofreaders have certain punctuation issues they need to look up!) When two or more people share possession of something, only add an apostrophe+s to the final name in the list.
What is the most common apostrophe mistake?
Mistake #1: Using an apostrophe to form a plural is usually an error. Using an apostrophe to make a regular noun plural is one of the most common apostrophe mistakes. My favorite examples of this are when you see an apostrophe being used before the final s of a plural word when fruits and vegetables are advertised in grocery stores.
How to make lowercase letters plural?
Use an apostrophe to form the plural of lowercase letters. Although using an apostrophe to form a plural is usually an error, there is a notable exception. To aid comprehension, when making lowercase letters plural, add apostrophe+s.
How to form the possessive of most singular nouns not ending in s?
To form the possessive of most singular nouns not ending in s, all you need to do is add an apostrophe+s.
What is the purpose of my Punctuation 101 book?
My Punctuation 101 e-book and workbook combo will help you refresh your memory of punctuation rules, learn the mistakes you need to avoid making, and polish your punctuation skills so you can wow your readers and clients .
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 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.
What to do if you don't have a style guide?
If you don’t have a style guide, it’s OK to just pick one of the methods, as long as you don’t switch back and forth within the same document.
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 ).
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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 :
When to use an apostrophe?
Apostrophes are properly used in only two circumstances, for contractions and to indicate possession.
When to use apostrophes in a sentence?
To sum up, apostrophes are correctly used only in contractions and to show possession, and not to pluralize nouns.
What does an apostrophe mean in a sentence?
That means to indicate that a subject or other noun in a sentence “owns” or “possesses” something or someone. That construction is generally formed by adding an apostrophe and an s to the end of the noun. Here are some examples of that:
Why does the apostrophe go after the s?
We plan on celebrating Gladys’ birthday tomorrow. The apostrophe belongs after the s because her name is Gladys, not Glady.
Which noun is the subject of possession?
We spent hours calculating the workers’ compensation package. In this sentence, the noun that is the subject of possession is workers, the plural of worker. They possess the compensation package.
Should apostrophes be used to indicate plurals?
Under no circumstances should apostrophes be used to indicate plurals. The following cases are all incorrect:
When to use an apostrophe before a noun?
When using a singular noun, the apostrophe is used before the s. For example: “The squirrel’s nuts were stashed in a hollow tree.”
What is an Apostrophe?
We use the apostrophe to transform various words into plurals, contractions, and possessive forms. Without apostrophes, the English language would seem even more confusing. In a nutshell: there is logic
When using a word that is pluralized without an s, do you add an apostrophe?
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. For example: “Men’s feet are generally larger than women’s.”
Do plurals have apostrophes?
To make it is easier to remember when to use an apostrophe, keep in mind that most plurals do not contain apostrophes.
Can apostrophes be misused?
While there are many ways in which apostrophes can be misused, some are much more common than others. Some examples follow.
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 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.
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 Is An Apostrophe?
Apostrophe Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake #1: Using an apostrophe to form a plural is usually an error
Using an apostrophe to make a regular noun plural is one of the most common apostrophe mistakes. My favorite examples of this are when you see an apostrophe being used before the final s of a plural word when fruits and vegetables are advertised in grocery stores. This is know… - Mistake #2: Using an apostrophe with possessive pronouns
It’s not necessary to use an apostrophe with possessive pronouns like its, yours, his, hers, ours, and theirs. Its vs. it’s causes the most confusion. Itsis a possessive pronoun that means something owns something, and it does not take an apostrophe. It’sis a contraction that’s short f…
Apostrophe Quiz
- Identify and fix the apostrophe errors in the below sentences. You can find the answers at the end of this blog post. 1. They bought the house in the 1950’s and hadn’t changed a thing. 2. She picked up a dozen apple’s at the store. 3. James’ homework had been eaten by the dog. 4. Both of her business’s were in financial trouble. 5. They hid in the womens’ bathroom until it was over.
Final Thoughts on The Apostrophe
- There you have it: three simple apostrophe rules you need to follow. I hope you have a better understanding of how to use an apostrophe now and the most common apostrophe mistakes you need to avoid if you want to impress people with your writing or proofreading skills. If you want to dive deeper into apostrophes or any other grammar and punctuation issues, check out the resou…
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- Are you always worried that you’re not punctuating sentences correctly? Or you want to be a proofreader, but you’re worried your punctuation skills aren’t up to scratch? We all learned how to use commas, semicolons, etc. once upon a time, but information doesn’t always stick that well, and sometimes we hold on to incorrect information! My Punctuation 101 e-book and workbook …
Further Reading
Apostrophe Quiz Answers
- They bought the house in the 1950sand hadn’t changed a thing.
- She picked up a dozen applesat the store.
- James’shomework had been eaten by the dog.
- Both of her businesseswere in financial trouble.