Mastering Apostrophe Usage in Writing

6. So why are they so important? 2 main purposes of the apostrophe: 1. Contractions 2. Possession

7. Rule #1: Contractions • Use an apostrophe with contractions in place of the omitted letter. Examples: Do not = don’t You are = you’re Is not = isn’t She is = she’s

8. “It” It’s = It is or It has It’s my favorite movie. It’s been great getting to know you. Its = show possession The cat showed its claws.

9. Rule #2: Indication • Use an apostrophe to indicate the plural of letters, figures, and signs: In Frank’s writing, the o’s and a’s aren’t very clear. • Use an apostrophes to indicate the omission of figures in dates: The summer of ‘69.

10. Rule #2: Indication • Use an apostrophe to indicate time or quantity: In one week’s time Two weeks’ notice • To indicate the omission of letters: I s’pose she would go to Jo’burg.

11. Rule #2: Indication • The plurals for capital letters and numbers used as nouns are not formed with apostrophes: She consulted with three M.D.s. She went to three M.D.’s offices. The 1990s NOTthe 1990’s The ‘90s NOT the ‘90’s

12. Rule #3: Possession • Use an apostrophe to show possession. Place the apostrophe before the “s” to show singular possession: One boy’s hat Ms. Smith’s house Taylor’s briefcase Johnny’s car *Although names ending in “s” or an s sound are not required to have the 2nd s added in possessive form, it is preferred: Mr. Jones’s hammer Chris’s homework Mr. Sanchez’s golf clubs

13. Rule #3: Possession • To show plural possession, make the noun plural first. Then immediately use the apostrophe: Two boys’ hats the Smiths’ house The Sanchezs’ golf clubs two women’s hats

14. Rule #3: Possession • DO NOT use an apostrophe for the plural of a name We visited the Sanchezes in New York City. The Smiths have two cats and a dog.

15. Rule #3: Possession • Use the apostrophe and “s” after the second name only if 2 people possess the same item. Tommy and Katie’s home is in Darien. Tommy’s and Katie’s cars are in the shop.

16. Rule #3: Possession • Never use an apostrophe with possessive pronouns: his, hers, its, theirs, ours, yours, whose. They already show possession. This book is hers, not yours. Sincerely yours.

17. Rule #3: Possession • Use the possessive case in front of a gerund Alex’s skating was a joy to watch. This does not stop Joan’s inspecting of our facilities next Thursday • If the gerund has a pronoun in front of it, use the possessive form of that pronoun I appreciate your inviting me to dinner.