The Apostrophe
Definition: An apostrophe indicates ownership of an object, idea or quality.
Problem: Many writers are unsure of where to put the apostrophe.
Three Steps for Using Apostrophes:
- Be aware of possession. Find the owner or owners.
Ask yourself: To whom does the object, idea or quality belong?
toy of the cat = cat’s toy
weather of today = today’s weather
appendix in the anthology = the anthology’s appendix
contribution of Mr. Friedlander = Mr. Friedlander’s contribution
books of the boys = the boys’ books
shoes of the men = men’s shoes
report of the members = members’ report
heroism of Odysseus = Odysseus’s heroism
- Place ’s after the owner or owners: (Owner) + ’s
cat + ’s = cat’s toys
men + ’s = men’s shoes
Odysseus +’s = Odysseus’s* heroism
*Note: If single nouns end in –s or –z, you can show possession with either just an apostrophe or the standard apostrophe +s. e.g. Odysseus’ or Odysseus’s. However, you must be consistent.
- If the word is a plural noun that ends in s, just add an apostrophe (’).
boys + ’ = boys’ books
members + ’ = members’ report
Two Basic Rules for Using Apostrophes:
- Add ’s to the noun (owner)
The child’s balloon floated to the ceiling when he let go of it.
The children’s books are over there on the shelf.
- Add only the apostrophe (’) to a plural noun that ends in s.
The dogs’ leashes were put back in the drawer.
Who owns that– apostrophe game