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Apostrophes are used for two main purposes:
CONTRACTIONS
The apostrophe is used to join two words together to
make one word.
Example:
do not = don't
The apostrophe takes the place of the missing letter. For
example, in "doesn't", the apostrophe takes the place of
the "o" that is gone.
Here are some more examples of contractions:
have not = haven't
is not = isn't
I am = I'm
Although contractions are common in speaking and
informal writing, they should not be used in formal
writing.
POSSESSION
Apostrophes are used with nouns to show possession.
Here are the rules on how to use them properly.
Single Nouns
• Add apostrophe and "s"
The dog's bowl
The boy's hat
Plural Nouns
• Add an apostrophe
The girls' toys
The computers' screens
Irregular Plural Nouns
• Add an apostrophe and "s"
The children's toys
The women's hats
Nouns that end in "S"
Singular
• Add an apostrophe and "s"
• Charles Dickens's novel
• Or, add only an apostrophe
• Charles Dickens' novel
Plural
• Add an apostrophe
• The Davis' home
(Tom and Mary Davis, 2 people)
More than 1 Noun
• The apostrophe goes on the last name in a group
that shares possession.
Jon and Bob’s house
(They both possess the house)
PLURAL ABBREVIATIONS
Do not use apostrophes for plural nouns that are
abbreviations or numbers.
Examples:
DVDs, CDs, 1970s
Not, Cd's, 1970's
- Possession
- Contractions
CONTRACTIONS
The apostrophe is used to join two words together to
make one word.
Example:
do not = don't
The apostrophe takes the place of the missing letter. For
example, in "doesn't", the apostrophe takes the place of
the "o" that is gone.
Here are some more examples of contractions:
have not = haven't
is not = isn't
I am = I'm
Although contractions are common in speaking and
informal writing, they should not be used in formal
writing.
POSSESSION
Apostrophes are used with nouns to show possession.
Here are the rules on how to use them properly.
Single Nouns
• Add apostrophe and "s"
The dog's bowl
The boy's hat
Plural Nouns
• Add an apostrophe
The girls' toys
The computers' screens
Irregular Plural Nouns
• Add an apostrophe and "s"
The children's toys
The women's hats
Nouns that end in "S"
Singular
• Add an apostrophe and "s"
• Charles Dickens's novel
• Or, add only an apostrophe
• Charles Dickens' novel
Plural
• Add an apostrophe
• The Davis' home
(Tom and Mary Davis, 2 people)
More than 1 Noun
• The apostrophe goes on the last name in a group
that shares possession.
Jon and Bob’s house
(They both possess the house)
PLURAL ABBREVIATIONS
Do not use apostrophes for plural nouns that are
abbreviations or numbers.
Examples:
DVDs, CDs, 1970s
Not, Cd's, 1970's
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Apostrophes
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Practice apostrophes with this test:
- Apostrophe Test