The apostrophe ( ’ ) has three main uses: contractions, plurals, and possessives.
Contractions
Contractions (e.g., we’ve, she’ll, they’re, it’s, you’re) can enhance the flow of writing, but it’s important to use them judiciously, especially in formal contexts. Avoid two common errors: the contraction of “it is” (it’s) and the possessive form of “its.” Similarly, the contraction of “you are” is “you’re,” while “your” is possessive.
Examples:
- It’s going to rain today, so bring an umbrella.
- Your friend said she’ll join us later.
Plurals
The apostrophe is rarely used to form a plural noun.
Correct Example:
The 1990s were a significant decade for technology.
Incorrect Example:
The 1990’s were a significant decade for technology.
The exception to this rule is when letters, numbers, or symbols are treated as nouns. Use an apostrophe to avoid confusion in these cases.
Examples:
- She received three A’s on her report card.
- The campaign aims to increase the number of M.D.’s in rural areas.
Possessives
The general rule for forming possessives is that the possessive of a singular noun is formed by adding an apostrophe and “s,” regardless of whether it ends with “s” or not.
Examples:
- The artist’s painting was displayed at the gallery.
- The boss’s decision surprised everyone.
For plural nouns, if the noun ends in “s,” add only an apostrophe. If it doesn’t, add both an apostrophe and “s.”
Examples:
- The teachers’ lounge is off-limits.
- The children’s playground is newly renovated.
Exceptions to the General Rule
For singular nouns that already have a plural form or that end with an “s,” use only an apostrophe.
Examples:
- The city of Paris’ parks are beautiful.
- The United Nations’ resolutions are often debated.
When a proper noun is already in possessive form, it should remain unchanged.
Examples:
- Starbucks’ coffee is popular worldwide.
- Barnes & Noble’s sales have increased this quarter.
Shared or Individual Possessives
Joint possession is indicated by a single apostrophe.
Example:
- Emily and Jake’s car is parked outside.
Explanation: They share the car.
Individual possession is indicated by separate apostrophes for each owner.
Examples:
- Marcus’s and Tina’s dogs have different temperaments.
- The neighbors’ and the friends’ gardens are both well-maintained.
Avoid Awkward Possessives
Awkward:
- The committee’s decision’s impact will be discussed.
Better:
- The impact of the committee’s decision will be discussed.
The Apostrophe with Other Punctuation
The apostrophe should never be separated from the word it modifies by adjacent punctuation.
Correct Example:
- The kitten’s toys are scattered everywhere, but the puppy’s toys are neatly arranged.
Incorrect Example:
- The kitten’s, toys are scattered everywhere, but the puppy’s, toys are neatly arranged.