- Using Apostrophes to Show Possession |
- Using Apostrophes in Contractions |
- Adding Apostrophes After ‘S’ |
- Forming Plurals of Letters, Numbers, & Symbols |
- Using Apostrophes with Names |
- When Not to Use an Apostrophe |
- Writing Apostrophes with Other Punctuation |
- Writing Apostrophes in Cursive |
- Apostrophe Usage Chart |
- Video |
- Q&A |
- Tips
Apostrophes are an important form of punctuation used to show possession with nouns or to form contractions. Sometimes, though, using apostrophes correctly can be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to names or words that already end in ‘s.’ But don’t worry—in this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know to use apostrophes correctly, as well as when not to use them.
When to Use an Apostrophe
Use an apostrophe to form possessive nouns, to form contractions and show the omission of letters, and to form plurals of letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use apostrophes to make nouns plural or to form possessive pronouns (like his or her).
Steps
Apostrophe Usage Chart
Community Q&A
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QuestionDo I use an apostrophe in a name when saying something belongs to them? For example: "Jessica's Art Folder." Or is it "Jessicas Art Folder"?DonaganTop AnswererUse the apostrophe.
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QuestionI'm making a sign for my home which will read The Porters, est. 1999. Apostrophe or no apostrophe in Porters?DonaganTop AnswererIf you're referring to the family, you don't need the apostrophe. If you're referring to the house, spell it Porters'.
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QuestionDo you put an apostrophe after last names on a plaque? Is it The Millers, The Millers', or The Miller's?Community AnswerNo apostophe needed: The Millers, The Miller Family, or The Miller Home are all good options. The Millers' Home is technically correct as well. If your last name ends in S, Z, or CH, add an "es" at the end instead of an s: The Martinezes.
Video
Tips
- If ever in doubt, remember that apostrophes are almost always used in nouns to show possession.Thanks
- For singular names ending in "s," the Chicago Manual of Style adds an "s" after the apostrophe, as in "Charles's bike." If your work or assignment requires you to adhere to one convention or another, then do so. Otherwise, either form is acceptable so long as it is consistent throughout a single piece of written work.Thanks
- The Elements of Style by Strunk and White is a very short and handy guide to writing and punctuation. Keep a copy of this book nearby when you're writing and refer to it if you're unsure about usage.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/punctuation/apostrophe_introduction.html
- ↑ https://www.llcc.edu/center-academic-success/writing-center/handouts/apostrophes
- ↑ https://miamioh.edu/howe-center/hwc/writing-resources/handouts/grammar-and-punctuation/apostrophes.html
- ↑ https://miamioh.edu/howe-center/hwc/writing-resources/handouts/grammar-and-punctuation/apostrophes.html
- ↑ https://miamioh.edu/howe-center/hwc/writing-resources/handouts/grammar-and-punctuation/apostrophes.html
- ↑ https://www.delmar.edu/offices/swc/_resources/grammar/Apostrophes.pdf
- ↑ https://www.delmar.edu/offices/swc/_resources/grammar/Apostrophes.pdf
- ↑ https://www.thepunctuationguide.com/apostrophe.html
- ↑ https://www.llcc.edu/center-academic-success/writing-center/handouts/apostrophes
- ↑ https://www.delmar.edu/offices/swc/_resources/grammar/Apostrophes.pdf
- ↑ https://www.hamilton.edu/academics/centers/writing/seven-sins-of-writing/4#
- ↑ https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/apostrophes/apostrophes-and-proper-nouns/
- ↑ https://miamioh.edu/howe-center/hwc/writing-resources/handouts/grammar-and-punctuation/apostrophes.html
- ↑ https://liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/wlf/how-use-apostrophes-oregon-state-guide-grammar
- ↑ https://www.thepunctuationguide.com/apostrophe.html
About This Article
To use apostrophes, add an apostrophe followed by an "s" after the name of a person or place to indicate ownership. For example, you could write "Mary's lemons." In the case of plural ownership, add an apostrophe after the "s" instead, as in "the Smarts' boat." You can also use apostrophes for other contractions, including "don't" for "do not," and "isn't" for "is not." However, you should avoid using an apostrophe with the word "it" so you don't get confused with "it's," which is an abbreviation for "it is." For tips on how to write an apostrophe in cursive or how and avoid non-existent contractions, read on!
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