Apostrophes

Apostrophes are punctuation marks used to show possession, indicate omitted letters, or form some plural nouns. Proper usage clarifies meaning in writing.

Definition / Explanation

An apostrophe (’) is a punctuation mark that primarily serves three functions:

• To show possession
• To indicate omitted letters in contractions
• To form plural of letters, numbers, or symbols (less common)

Rules / Guidelines

• Possession: Add ’s to show ownership: Jessica’s book (the book belongs to Jessica).
• For plural nouns ending in s, add only an apostrophe: The dogs’ toys (toys of the dogs).
• Contractions: Use an apostrophe to replace missing letters: don’t (do not), it’s (it is).
• Plural of letters, numbers, or symbols: Use apostrophes to avoid confusion: Mind your p’s and q’s, There are two 7’s in the code.
• Do not use apostrophes to form regular plurals: Incorrect: apple’s for apples

Examples

Possession: The teacher’s desk, the children’s playground
Contractions: I’m (I am), they’ve (they have), you’ll (you will)
Plural of letters/numbers: She got all A’s on her report card.
Incorrect plural: Not: apple’s, book’s

Practice Exercises

1. Show possession: The hat belonging to Michael
2. Form contraction: do not → ?
3. Plural letters: Mind your ___
4. Show possession for plural noun ending in s: The toys of the kids
5. Correct the sentence: I cant find its cover

Answers / Explanation

1. Michael’s hat
2. don’t
3. p’s and q’s
4. the kids’ toys
5. I can’t find its cover