Q&A for How to Use Apostrophes

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

Do 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"?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Use the apostrophe.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 15 Helpful 75
Question

I'm making a sign for my home which will read The Porters, est. 1999. Apostrophe or no apostrophe in Porters?

Donagan

Top Answerer

If you're referring to the family, you don't need the apostrophe. If you're referring to the house, spell it Porters'.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 13 Helpful 40
Question

Do you put an apostrophe after last names on a plaque? Is it The Millers, The Millers', or The Miller's?

Community Answer

No 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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 19 Helpful 37
Question

Which is preferable: Lions' Field or Lions Field (as in Lions Club)?

Donagan

Top Answerer

If the field belongs to the Lions Club, you could write Lions'. If the field is simply named by or in honor of the club, you could write Lions.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 22
Question

Is it St Philip's or St Philips Church?

Donagan

Top Answerer

St. Philip's. Also churches may refer to themselves as St. Philip Church, St. Luke Church, etc.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 14
Question

What is the difference between "the computer configuration" and "the computer's configuration"?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Essentially there's no difference.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 18
Question

My son's/sons' Joe and John?

Community Answer

Neither; as "sons" is plural rather than possessive, no apostrophe should be used.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 15
Question

Ms Lee's and Ms Wong's notifications - correct?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Correct.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 16
Question

Would it be correct to write Berg's Nest to indicate a lake home owned by the Berg family?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Yes. "Bergs' Nest" would also work.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 15
Question

"The Cullens always sat in the third pew." Shouldn't "Cullens" be "Cullen's"? Can you please list the rule?

Donagan

Top Answerer

There's no need for an apostrophe, because you're merely indicating that there is more than one Cullen. It's like saying "two dogs" or "three boys."

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 8
Question

If naming different family members of the same clan as a heading on a plaque, is it acceptable to describe as The MacSween's for the surname MacSween?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Spell it "The MacSweens."

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
Question

If I were to refer to my family's last name while talking about a farm/company, would it be "The Eatons family farm" or "The Eaton's family farm"?

Donagan

Top Answerer

"The Eatons' family farm." You could also write, "the Eaton family farm."

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
Question

Where do you stand on the travel agent's apostrophe, "5 nights' bed & breakfast"?

Donagan

Top Answerer

There are two possibilities here: (1) If you consider that the B&B does not belong to the nights, this would not be a case of possession, and you would not need an apostrophe. You'd really be saying, "five nights (in a) bed & breakfast"; or (2) If you consider that the B&B really does belong to the nights, you would use an apostrophe after the "s" in "nights."

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 2
Question

If I am making a sign for a couple with the newly married couple with the last name "Coleman" do I put "The Coleman's" or "The Colemans"?

Donagan

Top Answerer

If you're simply referring to the couple, no apostrophe is required. If you're referring to something they possess together, it would be "the Colemans'" (home, backyard, car, etc.) with an apostrophe after the "s."

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
Question

Would "Love, Your Persons," require an apostrophe after it?

Donagan

Top Answerer

No.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Should there be an apostrophe in the sentence "The Millers' and Andrews' invite you to their children Diana and Mathew's wedding."

Donagan

Top Answerer

"Millers" and "Andrews" do not need apostrophes. "Diana and Mathew's wedding" is used colloquially, but "to the wedding of their children Diana and Mathew" is better.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Is "Fun day at the Lipscomb's" correct?

Donagan

Top Answerer

The Lipscombs'.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Where would the apostrophe go to make the name Babb possessive?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Babb's.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

"Willowbank, Waikaka Valley, Maitland Schools reunion" - is an apostrophe needed?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Yes.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

"W.C.s' Fields" - is this the correct way to express that the Fields (though it's his real name) belongs to W.C.?

Donagan

Top Answerer

It would be "W.C.'s" if you're indicating possession.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Is it "Grandad's chair" or "Grandads' chair"?

Donagan

Top Answerer

"Grandad's," assuming just one Grandad.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

"My sons' day care is closed." Is the apostrophe correct in this statement?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Yes, if there is more than one son. If there is only one son, it should be "son's."

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Amelia's artwork. Is this correct ?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Yes.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Is it correct to say "one's attention"?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Yes.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Bowen disease or Bowen's disease?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Bowen's disease.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Wright State University. Correct?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Bachelor's and Master's degrees.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

How do I use an apostrophe to indicate ownership of two people?

Donagan

Top Answerer

In formal writing, it is "John's and Mary's children." To reflect informal speech, you can write "John and Mary's children." To make it simpler, you can write "the children of John and Mary."

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Does "We are going to the Millers" have an apostrophe?

Donagan

Top Answerer

It is commonly written either with or without an apostrophe.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Should I write: "The authors' main achievement" or "the authors main achievement?"

Donagan

Top Answerer

"Author's" if only one author. "Authors' " if more than one.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

If I have an apple and someone else gives me an apple, do I have two apple's? What does the apple own, or is it incorrect?

Donagan

Top Answerer

It's "two apples." No apostrophe.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0