An apostrophe is a punctuation mark that serves a variety of purposes. We have taken a look at each of the uses for apostrophes below.
Example: the cat’s scratching post
Rule 1: If word is plural, attach an apostrophe.
Example: the cats’ carriers
In this example, we are talking about different carriers for multiple cats.
Rule 2: If word is singular, most sources recommend adding ‘s
Example: the class’s project
In this example, we are discussing the project of one class. If we were talking about multiple classes, our sentence would read: the classes’ project.
Example: the fishes’ pond.
Example: the books of the children
Incorrect: the childrens’ books
Correct: the children’s books
In this example, the plural form of the word child does not have an s, so we will need to add an apostrophe + s to properly show that the children own the books.
Example: the moose’s tracks
Again, the plural form of moose is spelled the same, so we will need to add an apostrophe + s to show that the tracks came from the moose.
Example: This is my sister-in-law’s car.
Example: We are going to my brothers-in-law’s house for the holidays.
To show that a family named Hastings or Jones own something, such as a car or house, you will first need to make the name plural by adding an es to the end of the name. You cannot just add an apostrophe, as that will refer to a family named “Hasting” or “Jone.” Once you have made the name plural, you will be able to add an apostrophe to show the proper possession.
Incorrect: The Hastings’ new car.
Correct: The Hastinges’ new car.
Incorrect: The Jones’ new house.
Correct: The Joneses’ new house.
Incorrect: Laura and my home
Incorrect: Mine and Laura's home
Correct: Laura's and my home
Correct: Laura and Steve’s home.
Note: As our examples above demonstrate, when one of the co-owners is written as a pronoun, you will need to use possessive adjectives (my, your, her, our, their). You will want to avoid possessive pronouns (mine, yours, hers, ours, theirs) in such situations.
Example: We will be visiting Steve’s and Sarah’s homes on our road trip.
Amounts of time or money are sometimes used as possessive adjectives that require apostrophes.
Example: The military provides two weeks’ leave to soldiers.
Example: That’s my two cents’ worth.
Correct: the company's policy
Incorrect: the companies policy
Correct: three companies' policies
Incorrect: three company's policies
Exception: Names and other proper nouns ending in y become plural simply by adding an s. They do not form their plurals with an apostrophe, or by changing the y to ies.
Correct: The Westerlys are coming to dinner.Correct: The Westerlys' dog had puppies.
Incorrect: The Westerlies’ dog had puppies.
You will need to use an apostrophe with contractions, or shortened forms of writing words. The apostrophe is placed where a letter or letters have been removed. Example: cannot -> can’t
There are various approaches to creating the plural form of many letters that appear on their own, as well as numerals. You can also use an apostrophe to create plural forms of some words. We have provided examples and further instruction on these items below.
Many style guides recommend placing an apostrophe after single letters for the sake of clarity.
Example: He received all A’s on his report card.
Example: Mind your p’s and q’s.
When you are writing groups of two or more capital letters, apostrophes are not as necessary to include.
Example: That child has learned his ABCs.
For clarity, apostrophes can be used with single digit numbers but are not necessary. We recommend using your judgement when determining whether you should include an apostrophe.
Example: I purchased the tickets in sets of 2s.
Example: I purchased the tickets in sets of 2’s.
Both of these examples are correct.
When you are writing a double or triple digit number, as well as anything higher than triple digits, many style guides do not recommend the use of an apostrophe.
Example: The temperature will be in the low 30s.
Example:the 1990s
Example: the '90s
When you are forming a plural of a word that is not normally a noun, some style guides will recommend that you add an apostrophe for clarity.
Example: Here are some do's and don'ts.
Beware of false possessives, which often occur with nouns ending in s. Don't add apostrophes to noun-derived adjectives ending in s.
Incorrect: We enjoyed the New Orleans' cuisine.
Correct: We enjoyed the New Orleans cuisine.
In this example, the incorrect sentence does not make sense unless New Orleans is being used as an adjective to describe cuisine. In English, nouns frequently become adjectives. Adjectives rarely if ever take apostrophes.
Incorrect: He's a United States' citizen.
Correct: He's a United States citizen.
In this example, United States is an adjective that modifies citizen and as such should not receive an apostrophe.
Apostrophes are a punctuation mark that can be used in a variety of ways. This also means that they have multiple rules that must be followed. If you are unsure of yourself when using apostrophes, turn to eContent Pro for editorial services.
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