1. When to use an apostrophe
Apostrophes
When to use an apostrophe
Check out this comic that will teach you about apostrophes and make you laugh:

2. Use of Apostrophes Apostrophes are used to:
1. Form possessives of nouns
2. Show the omission of letters

3. Forming Possessives of Nouns
Add ‘s to the singular form of the word or name (even if it ends in s)
Mary’s car
Charles’s bike
Add ‘s to the plural forms that do not end in s
The geese’s waddle. The children’s game was cancelled.
Add an ’ to plural nouns that already end in s
The babies’ cries were heard.
The lions’ roars were ferocious.
In names of places or organizations, it is appropriate that just an apostrophe ( ’ ) is used at the end of the word. Correct: St. Thomas’ Hospital Incorrect: St. Thomas’s Hospital

4. Showing Omission of Letters
This is when apostrophes are used in contractions.
Although commonly used verbally and in informal writing, APA style does not allow the use of contractions.
don’t = do not
I’m = I am
he’ll = he will
could’ve = could have
didn’t = did not

5. Apostrophes and Plural Forms
Do not use an apostrophe to form the plurals of nouns, abbreviations, or dates of numbers.
Instead of an apostrophe, add an s instead.
The cost of the trip is 560 euros.
I was born in the 1990s.
The RAs took their job seriously.
You can use an apostrophe to show the plurals of single letters to avoid confusion and increase clarity (e.g., I have crossed the t’s and dotted the i’s).

6. Its vs. It’s Its means “belonging to it”
The dog wagged its tail. The cat licked its paws.
It’s is a contraction for “it is” or “it has”
It’s (it has) been a tiring day. It’s (it is) time to go home.
For more examples and information go to: