Apostrophe

Proper punctuation marks are essential for providing clarity and structure to our written language, particularly in academic writing. An apostrophe is a punctuation mark commonly used in informal and formal writing to indicate possession, contractions of words, or abbreviations. In this article, we’ll discuss the rules of using punctuation marks: apostrophe, explore how to properly use them, and debunk some common misconceptions about their usage. Learn how to master the apostrophe today!

What is an Apostrophe?

An apostrophe (‘) is a punctuation mark showing possession, contractions of words, or abbreviations. To indicate possession, an apostrophe is placed before the letter “s” at the end of a word (‘s). For example, in the sentence “The dog’s toy,” the apostrophe indicates that the toy belongs to the dog.

When using contractions, an apostrophe replaces one or more missing letters. For example, instead of writing “do not,” you would use “don’t.”

Lastly, an apostrophe replaces missing letters that show the tenses of an abbreviation. For example, “cc” is short for “carbon-copy,” and when converted in the past tense, it becomes “cc’d” or “carbon-copied.”

Apostrophe Rules and Correct Usage

An in-depth understanding of apostrophes contributes to a learner’s strong command of the English language and grammar. Hence, a comprehensive guide is laid out below to guide you in using apostrophes correctly and effectively:

Usage of Possessive Apostrophe According to Editorial Style Manuals

In general,  the possessive case of a noun is expressed by using a possessive apostrophe (‘) followed by the letter ‘s.’ The guidelines for using the possessive form depend on the writing convention one follows. Let’s consider the Chicago Manual of Style Manual compared to the Associated Press Style Manual with singular nouns.

Chicago Manual of Style	Associated Press Style
Singular common nouns ending in the letter ‘s’ has the possessive form apostrophe + s. Examples: The business’s products are popular. The class’s professor walked out on them.	– Singular common nouns ending in the letter ‘s’ has the possessive form apostrophe + s. Examples: Texas’s tourism is booming. The octopus’s tentacles are long, slimy, and powerful. – However, if the next word starts with the letter ‘s,’ only use an apostrophe. Examples: Texas’ scenic spots were featured in the magazine. The octopus’ slimy tentacles are a fascinating feature of this mysterious creature.
Use apostrophe + s for proper nouns ending in the letter ‘s.’ Examples: Mr. Williams’s suggestion is doable. Iris’s start-up business won the competition.	Proper nouns ending in the letter ‘s’ only take an apostrophe for their possessive form. Examples: Mr. Williams’ suggestion is doable. Iris’ start-up business won the competition.

The single-word plural nouns, on the other hand, only take an apostrophe to form its possessive case.

Here are a few examples:

• The cats’ room is full of toys.
• The workers’ union gained victory in their fight for working conditions.
• The analysts’ report is due next week.
• Her friends’ houses are all in the same neighborhood.
• The Phillips’ cars are all parked in the driveway.

Other Rules of Possessive Apostrophe

Rules when using the possessive apostrophe	Examples
When using an apostrophe to show separate ownership, add the apostrophe ‘s’ (‘s) at the end of each noun mentioned in the sentence.	grandmother’s shoe collection sister-in-law’s house editor-in-chief’s computer rich man’s son famous artist’s car
When using an apostrophe to show separate ownership, add apostrophe ‘s’ (‘s) at the end of each noun mentioned in the sentence.	Amalia and Bernardo’s business Warren, Julius, and Peter’s project mother and sister’s closet Company X and Company Y’s collaboration husband and wife’s house
Multi-worded nouns or compound nouns form their possessive form by adding the apostrophe ‘s’ (‘s) at the end of the last word.	When using an apostrophe to show joint ownership, add the apostrophe ‘s’ (‘s) at the last noun mentioned in the sentence.

Usage of Apostrophe to Show Contractions

Aside from showing possession, an apostrophe can also contract or shorten figures and words. Here are a few examples:

Expanded Form	Shortened Form with Apostrophe
I am	I’m
You are	You’re
She is	She’s
He is	He’s
It is	It’s
We are	We’re
They are	They’re
Cannot	Can’t
Could not	Couldn’t
Should not	Shouldn’t
Will not	Won’t
Ever	E’er
Have not	Haven’t
Had not	Hadn’t
Is not	Isn’t
Are not	Aren’t
Do not	Don’t
1960s	’60s
1990s	’90s
1989	’89
1867	’67
20019	’19

Usage of Apostrophe to Pluralize Certain Language Components

Generally, an apostrophe is not used to make a word plural. However, there are a few exceptions to the rule summarized in the table below:

Rule	Examples
Use apostrophes to pluralize letters and words. In a sentence, it means that there are a number of those components that need to be considered.	Encircle all A’s and B’s in the paper. Cross out ten G’s and K’s. Count all which’s and what’s in the paragraph.
Use an apostrophe to pluralize abbreviations with both internal and external periods.	M.D.’s Ph.D.’s R.N.’s
Figures or numbers are expressed in plural form with or without an apostrophe	1970’s or 1970s bundle of 20’s or bundle of 20s 2000’s or 2000s

Usage of Apostrophe to Show Tenses of Abbreviated Verbs

Although it is uncommon, an apostrophe is used to create tenses for abbreviated verbs. Here are a few examples:

Abbreviated Verb	Past Tense	Present Participle
CC	CC’d	CC’ing
RSVP	RSVP’s	RSVP’ing
OK	OK’d	OK’ing

Examples of Sentences Using Apostrophe

Here are twenty examples of words with apostrophes used in sentences:

1. We’ve been waiting for the bus for half an hour.
2. She’ll be here soon.
3. I can’t believe how long it’s taken us to get here.
4. Let’s take a break for lunch.
5. The dog’s tail was wagging eagerly.
6. Don’t forget to bring your passport!
7. He’d like to go on vacation.
8. You shouldn’t have done that.
9. I’m glad you’re here.
10. They’ve been working on this project for days.
11. Carl’s phone was ringing off the hook.
12. The children’s toys were scattered all over the floor.
13. The professor’s lecture was full of interesting information.
14. The cat’s fur was soft and fluffy.
15. The ’80s were a great decade for music.
16. The Smiths’ house is the one with the white picket fence.
17. Alexis’ coat was in the closet.
18. My parents’ anniversary is coming up soon.
19. Wilma and Dave’s wedding was beautiful.
20. The neighbors’ kids are always playing outside.

Using Apostrophe Exercises with Answers

Convert the words on the left column into their proper forms using apostrophes.

Expanded Word	Form with Apostrophe
can not
he is
carbon copied
Kyle is the owner of the shoes.
Mara and Dana owns a shop separately.

Answers:

Expanded Word	Form with Apostrophe
can not	can’t
he is	he’s
carbon copied	cc’d
Kyle is the owner of the shoes.	Kyle’s shoes
Mara and Dana owns a shop separately.	Mara’s and Dana’s shops

List of Punctuations in English

Punctuation	Symbol
Period	.
Question Mark	?
Exclamation Point	!
Comma	,
Apostrophe	‘
Quotation	“”
Colon	:
Semicolon	;
Parenthesis	()
En Dash	–
Em Dash	—
Hyphen	–
Ellipsis	…
Brackets	[]
Braces	{ }
Slash	/

Advice for ESL Students & English Language Learners

English grammar, like any language, is a complex subject to study. Understanding and applying grammar rules can be challenging, especially for English language learners. However, your success in learning the language is dependent on your learning plan.

First, know that there are different levels of language proficiency. Knowing your status allows you to align it with your study materials and learning strategy. To keep your motivation, select beginner-friendly materials instead of university textbooks when starting. In doing so, you will feel less intimidated by the topics you should learn.

Second, focus on the basics: nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. Learn how to use them correctly in sentences and understand their meaning. It will help you build a strong foundation for your English language learning journey. Divide those topics into subtopics and learn each concept and rule one by one.

Third, find a reliable source of learning materials. Online resources such as websites, blogs, and YouTube videos are mostly free. LillyPad’s blog, for example, is a great resource for English language learning materials. Additionally, you can find books and other printed materials in your local library or bookstore.

Fourth, practice speaking the language with native speakers or other English learners. It will help you understand how to use the language correctly in conversations and improve your pronunciation.

Finally, be patient with yourself and don’t give up. Learning a language takes time and effort, so set realistic goals and celebrate your achievements along the way.

Additionally, it is important for learners to properly understand to use quotation marks and the comma.

Common Errors Made by English Learners

Learning a new language can be difficult, and English is no exception. Even experienced English learners make mistakes when speaking or writing in the language. Here are some of the most common mistakes made by English learners:

Common Mistake	Why it Happens	Correction	Examples
Using apostrophe with possessive personal pronouns yours, hers, ours, and theirs.	Some learners use colloquial or informal English when instant messaging, wherein using an apostrophe with possessive pronouns is prevalent. Another reason why this mistake happens is the notion that words always have their possessive form.	The possessive pronouns yours, hers, ours, and theirs do not need an apostrophe. They stand on their own.	Incorrect: This house is ours’. That project is theirs’. The car is hers’. Correct: This house is ours. That project is theirs. The car is hers.
Using apostrophe to pluralize nouns	Modern instant messaging affects the leaner’s way of pluralizing words.	Remember that an apostrophe cannot be used to make a noun plural. Instead, it shows possession or ownership.	Word to consider: Farmer Plural form: farmers and not farmer’s Possessive form: farmer’s + [noun; e.g., carabao] Word to consider: Daughter Plural form: daughters and not daughter’s Possessive form: daughter’s + [noun; e.g., room]
Confusing it’s and its	Both it’s and its look similar but they have different meanings. When learners are unaware of this, they use them interchangeably.	The meaning of “it’s” is “it is” and it shows verb tense, while “its” is a determiner showing possession.	“It’s” examples: It’s raining. or It is raining. It’s done. or It is done. “Its” examples: The ring and its box are here. The bird and its prey are fighting.

Learning Apostrophe Strategies and Best Practices

A holistic approach to learning a language makes it easier to understand and remember. The five macro skills, reading, listening, viewing, speaking, and writing, should be developed and used in the learning process for better language acquisition. The table below lists activities you can do when learning linking verbs:

Learning Strategies
Reading	– Use flashcards to know basic English sight words and their meaning. – Search for material that contains translations of common expressions from your native language to English. – Select study materials appropriate for your language proficiency.
Listening	– Listen to an audiobook or a song and write what you hear to improve your retention of English words. – Compare and contrast two audio materials like TV ads and a speech. – Summarize a podcast, movie, audiobook, and other English audio materials.
Viewing	– Observe how native speakers speak and try to mimic it. – Watch English movies, interviews, and tutorials. – Use pictographs to learn and remember new words.
Speaking	– Join a community of English language learners and communicate with them to improve and gain feedback. – Integrate the language into your daily life and try to speak using English. – Participate in speech organizations (e.g. debate clubs, theatre groups)
Writing	– Write a journal of your learning journey in English. – Answer practice tests and create your own sentences. – Create a reflection essay on the media you watch or listen to.

Apostrophe Frequently Asked Questions