Apostrophes

Apostrophes 1. with contractions A. subject pronouns plus forms of be: I’m, you’re, he’s, she’s, etc. B. as an abbreviation for not with these verbs: isn’t, aren’t, wasn’t, weren’t, can’t, couldn’t, doesn’t, don’t, hasn’t, haven’t, won’t, wouldn’t, shouldn’t

Apostrophes 2. to show ownership A. for singular nouns and indefinite pronouns: add an apostrophe plus s the student’s essay Judy’s sister somebody’s book B. for plural nouns already ending in “s”: add only an apostrophe the students’ exams the babies’ toys C. for plural nouns not ending in “s”: add both an apostrophe and s men’s shoes children’s clothing D. with compound nouns, add an apostrophe plus s to the last word my son-in-law’s job the attorney general’s report E. to show joint ownership with two names, add an apostrophe plus s to the last name my father and mother’s house Mary and Joan’s restaurant F. to show separate ownership, add an apostrophe plus s to both nouns George Washington’s and Thomas Jefferson’s signatures

Apostrophes 3. before a gerund (an –ing form of verb being used as a noun) My sister’s smoking led her death from lung cancer. Tim’s being at at the party was a surprise to the other guests.

Apostrophes 4. to show the omission of numbers in a date the Roaring ‘20s the class of ‘98

Apostrophes 5. to form the plurals of letter and academic titles p’s and q’s M.A.’s

Be careful not to use apostrophes where NOT needed. 1. Do not use apostrophes with possessive pronouns. Error: That book is her’s. Correct: That book is hers. Error: The dog wagged it’s tail. Correct: The dog wagged its tail. 2. Do not use an apostrophe to form a plural noun that is not possessive. Error: Professional athletes’ earn a lot of money. Correct: Professional athletes earn a lot of money. Error: Happy holidays from the Chandler’s Correct: Happy holidays from the Chandlers