1. Apostrophe flow chart
December 2013 (updated August 2016). Kindly contributed by Richard Scott, Warwickshire Adult and Community Learning. Search for Richard on
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Underpins the following Functional English coverage & range statement.
Level 2
Punctuate written text using commas, apostrophes and inverted commas accurately
and the following Adult Literacy curriculum elements
Rs/L1.2 Use punctuation to help their understanding
(a) understand the function of the omissive apostrophe to indicate an contracted word form in texts written in an informal style
(b) understand the use of the possessive apostrophe to show ownership or close link
Ws/L2.4 Punctuate sentences correctly, and use punctuation correctly (e.g. commas, apostrophes, inverted commas)
(b) understand the use of the apostrophe to show a missing letter(s) (e.g. they're, we've, I'm)
(c) know the full verb equivalents and that the writer can choose short or full forms depending on the formality required
(d) understand the difference between it's (it is) and its (belonging to it)
(e) understand the use of the apostrophe to show where a final -s indicates that something belongs to someone/thing.
Dec 2013 / Aug Kindly contributed to by Richard Scott.

2. Apostrophes (‘) START one no yes many no yes yes
How many are there?
one
Do they own anything?
Do nothing no
yes
many
Do they own anything?
Just add s OR follow the plural rule (e.g. add –ies,
-es, etc)
Add an apostrophe and an s (e.g. ‘s) no
yes
yes
Apostrophes have 2 uses:
1/ to show ownership i.e. The dog’s bowl. (possessive)
2/ to show letters are missing i.e. do not becomes don’t - the o of not is missing and has been replaced by the apostrophe (contractive)
Regular plural: Follow the plural rules AND an apostrophe (‘) after the s (e.g. s’)
Irregular plural: Add an apostrophe and an s (e.g. children‘s)
!!!CAUTION!!!
its and it’s do not follow the above rules.
its is the possessive
it’s is the contractive
So for these think is it: it is. If so, use it’s (with the apostrophe - contractive). If not, use “its” (no apostrophe - possessive)
Created by Richard Scott from Warwickshire Adult and Community Learning