How to Demonstrate the Correct Use of the Apostrophe

Apostrophes are used with words that are possessive nouns or contractions. The possessive form of a noun is used to show ownership or possession. A contraction is a shortened form of one or more words. Apostrophes are used in so many different ways it can be difficult to remember all the "rules." Correct use of the apostrophe demonstrates a greater writing ability and understanding of punctuation. Incorrect use can negatively affect an otherwise well written piece.

Things You'll Need

• A writing style guide or reference manual

Instructions

1. Use an apostrophe before an s ('s) if the noun is singular and doesn't end with the letter s. Examples include: Bob's car, one nurse's uniform, New York's subway, a fish's fin, a woman's dress.

2. Use an apostrophe only, at the end of the word, if the noun is plural and ends in an s. Examples: several nurses' uniforms, sisters' recipes, lions' manes.

3. Use an apostrophe ('s) if the noun is plural and doesn't end with the letter s. Examples are all women's purses, the goose's feathers, children's teeth.

4. Use an apostrophe ('s) if the noun is singular and ends with the letter s, ss, or an s sound. Examples: my boss's shirt, the bus's passengers, Lois's money, Phoenix's airport.

5. Use an apostrophe ('s) for joint possession. Apostrophe placement depends on whether the nouns are acting together or separately. Example of nouns acting (or possessing) together: Kim, Daniel and Zoe's favorite ice cream is vanilla. Example of nouns acting (or possessing) separately: John's and Bob's ideas are different.

6. Use an apostrophe -s ('s) on the last word of a compound noun. Example: mother-in-law's hat.

7. 

   Don't is a contraction.

   Contractions: Use one apostrophe in place of the letter or letters omitted when one or more words are shortened. Examples: it's (it is), can't (cannot), they're (they are), ma'am (madam), o'clock (of the clock).

Tips & Warnings

• If you are unsure about the correctness of your apostrophe use, read the word or sentence aloud. If it doesn't sound right, double check the apostrophe rules.

• If you're not sure where or whether to use an apostrophe, ask yourself a few questions: Is the noun plural or singular? Does the noun end in s or ss? Can I change it into an "of" phrase (car's engine, the engine of a car)?

• Depending on your audience, using a contraction may not be acceptable. For informal writing contractions are usually quite acceptable. More professional writing, however, usually avoids the use of contractions.

• Avoid using an apostrophe under the following circumstances: a plural letter (report card As), a plural number (figure 8s, 1990s), abbreviations (several IOUs, many RNs).

References

• Enchanted Learning: Grammar
• Guide to Grammar and Writing
• Wisc-Online (Wisconsin Technical College)

Resources

• "A Pocket Style Manual"; Diana Hacker; 2009