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:

 

  1. 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

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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:

 

  1. Add ’s to the noun (owner)

The childs balloon floated to the ceiling when he let go of it.

The childrens books are over there on the shelf.

 

  1. 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

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