Apostrophes are important punctuation marks.
The lesson below shows you the apostrophe rules and how to use them correctly.
Apostrophes are for two purposes:
· Contractions
· Possession
CONTRACTIONS
The apostrophe joins two words together to make a contraction.
The apostrophe joins two words together to make a contraction.
· do not = don't
· I am = I'm
The apostrophe replaces the removed letter. For example, in the word "don't", the apostrophe takes the place of the "o" that is removed from “do not”.
Here are some more examples of contractions:
· have not = haven't
· is not = isn't
· He is = He's
Although contractions are common in speaking and informal writing, they should not be used in academic writing. However, they are often used in email and business writing to speed up communication.
Apostrophes also replace missing numbers in years. For example,
· She graduated in the class of '78. (1978)
· I have a '57 Corvette. (1957)
POSSESSION
Apostrophes are used with nouns to show ownership. Nouns take apostrophes in different ways. The following chart shows what to add to nouns when showing possession.
Apostrophes are used with nouns to show ownership. Nouns take apostrophes in different ways. The following chart shows what to add to nouns when showing possession.
Apostrophe + S ('s)
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Apostrophe (')
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Single Nouns
· The dog's bowl
· The boy's hat
· Jennifer's shoes
· The computer's battery
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Plural Nouns
· The girls' books
· The boys' hats
· The students' teacher
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Irregular Plural Nouns
· The children's toys
· The people's ideas
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Indefinite Pronouns
· Everyone's shoes
· Someone's keys
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Nouns that end in "S"
When a noun ends in "s", you have 2 options:
When a noun ends in "s", you have 2 options:
1. Add an apostrophe and "s".
· Charles Dickens's novel
· The Davis
2. Add only an apostrophe.
· Charles Dickens' novel
· The Davis
Using the apostrophe depends on the pronunciation of the word. If it sounds awkward to add the "s", then leave it out. For example, this sentence does not sound good with the extra "s". The second sentence sounds better than the first.
- Chris Tompkins's brother is a doctor.
- Chris Tompkins' brother is a doctor.
However, if the word sounds fine with the extra “s” then you can add it. For example:
- Chris’s brother is a doctor.
- Chris’ brother is a doctor.
To decide which option to take, say the word aloud to see which sounds best.
More than 1 Noun
The apostrophe goes on the last name in a group that shares possession.
· Jane and Bob's house
Use 2 apostrophes when showing possession of two different things.
· Steve's and Bob's houses
Multiple Word Subjects
When a noun has more than one word, the last word in the group receives the apostrophe.
· The Queen of England
· The Director of Marketing's office
Apostrophe Mistakes
Do not use apostrophes for plural nouns that have no possession:
- The boy’s are tired.
- The boys are tired.
Do not use apostrophes for plural nouns that are abbreviations or numbers.
- CD's, 1970's
- CDs, 1970s
Do not use apostrophes with pronouns.
- Where is her' jacket?
- Their's school has many students.
Many people mistake its and it's.
Its is for possession.
- My radio doesn't work. Its batteries are dead.
It's is a contraction that means "it is".
- It's cold today.
- It's too early to open the office.
Apostrophe Tests
Would you like to practice more with apostrophes? Try these apostrophes tests from learnEnglish-online:
Apostrophe Test
Apostrophe Test 2
Apostrophe Test 3
Here are some printable apostrophe tests.
Would you like to practice more with apostrophes? Try these apostrophes tests from learnEnglish-online:
Apostrophe Test
Apostrophe Test 2
Apostrophe Test 3
Here are some printable apostrophe tests.
Choose the option that uses apostrophes correctly.
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1.
a) The dogs bone
b) The dog's bone 2. a) The men's hats b) The mens' hats 3. a) The boys' bikes b) The boys bikes 4. a) Gus's hat b) Gus hat 5. a) His' house b) His house |
6.
a) It's very late at night. b) Its very late at night. 7. a) The televisions cable b) The television's cable 8. a) His brothers friend b) His brother's friend 9. a) The jacket is her's. b) The jacket is hers. 10. a) My co-worker's office b) My co-workers offices |
Put apostrophes in the following sentences. Some sentences do not need apostrophes.
1. The boys bicycle is blue.
2. Janes house is on
3. The girls are playing in the park with their toys.
4. Susan and Bobs cousin lives in
5. Its prohibited to take photos in this area.
6. Please bring your childrens passports to the airport.
7. We will study William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet.
8. Five of the students failed the last exam.
9. Its buttons do not work.
10. Could you email me when the Fergusons account is corrected?
11. The peoples cars are in the parking lot.
12. The students and teachers agreed on a date for the exam.
13. The photocopiers paper tray is broken.
14. She has a dog. Its a puppy.
15. My three friends have the same laptop.
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Correct these sentences. You may add, move, or remove apostrophes and "s".
1. Pauls hat is on the table.
2. My department has 13 employees and his's department has
only 4 people.
3. The baseball teams mascot is a chicken.
4. Dianas' house is on
5. His cats toys are in the kitchen.
6. There are two Lisa's in my class
7. Could you email me Freds' phone number?
8. We should discuss the customers invoice.
9. The Director's of Marketing new office is on the 2nd floor.
10. The new budget will be edited and sent out by Janets
assistant on Monday.
11. Ricky's and Bobby's new kitten is very cute.
12. It's cable is broken, so it will not work.
13. This womens' magazine has many advertisements
14. I hope its not broken.
15. Her house is on the same street as their's.
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