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Apostrophe Now: How to Use It

22 August 2008 7 Comments

Despite its seeming simplicity, a lot of people still can’t figure out how to use the apostrophe properly. You’ll be surprised how so many people still get mixed up when it comes to this simple punctuation mark. How many times have you seen someone type “salad green’s” instead of “salad greens”?

I know it seems confusing (though it most definitely isn’t), but using the apostrophe really shouldn’t be so difficult. Just remember these few important guidelines to using the apostrophe properly:

1. Apostrophes are used to show possession.

ex. clothes belonging to Joel = Joel’s clothes

If the owner is in plural form, add only an apostrophe

ex. bars’ stools, lawyers’ briefcases

If the owner’s name ends in “s”, adding (’s) or just (’) are both allowed

ex. james’s shoes or charles’ crown

There are exceptions to the rule. Plural forms not ending in “s” require the addition of (’s)

ex. women’s clothing

2. Do not use apostrophes to indicate plurality.

There are instances wherein this is allowed, but for the sake of clarity, avoid using apostrophes to show plurality at all costs.

ex. apple = apples

1970 = 1970s

m = “m”s

3. Use apostrophes to indicate missing letters in a word.

Contractions use apostrophes to replace the missing letter/s.

ex. do not = don’t

4. Apostrophes are not used with plural pronouns

Pronouns indicating plural ownership exist; there is no need to add (’s)

ex. hers, his, ours

XOXO,

7 Comments »

John Roach said:

To clarify, apostrophes are not used to show possession in pronouns at all. To wit: his, hers, yours, theirs, yours, and especially its. It is the last one that trips most people up.

John Roachs last blog post..Building blocks - Clauses and Phrases

# 22 August 2008 at 8:29 am

Zriz said:

Hi Miss write! This is probably one of the most writing rules that people seem to forget. In fact, I even forget how to use “its” vs “it’s” sometimes. hehehehe
Zrizs last blog post..Vacay Memories

# 22 August 2008 at 11:47 am

miss-write (author) said:

@John - yeah, “its” is a major issue for a lot of people. Thanks for the additional clarification.

@Zriz - hey! don’t forget to join my contest, okay?

# 22 August 2008 at 10:29 pm

Zriz said:

sure! I already bookmarked your contest! I’ll find time to write about it. Happy Birthday in advance!

Zrizs last blog post..Rants: Seeing RED!

# 25 August 2008 at 1:42 pm

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# 31 August 2008 at 11:20 am