1. Apostrophes’
A PowerPoint presentation to teach you why using an apostrophe here is wrong!

2. Rule 1
Use an apostrophe in a contraction to show where letter(s) have been omitted.
Can’t = cannot
She’ll = she will
I’ve = I have

3. Rule 2
Use an apostrophe when the first two numbers are omitted from the year.
‘84 = 1984
‘99 = 1999

4. Rule 3
Use an apostrophe when taking letters or words out of context. They will also be quoted.
You need to cross your “t’s” next time.
There are too many “well’s” in this paragraph.

5. Rule 4 Use an apostrophe to show ownership or possession.
The student’s phone was confiscated.
The students’ phones were not to be used during class.

6. Rule 4a If the word is singular (one), add apostrophe + s (‘s).
Barber’s chair
Blender’s buttons
Mrs. Stuckey’s boots

7. Rule 4b
If the word is plural (more than one) and ends in s, add the apostrophe after the s (s’).
Dogs’ kennel
Pilots’ association
Ladies’ club

8. Rule 4c
If the word is plural (more than one) and does NOT end in s, add apostrophe + s (‘s).
Women’s magazine
Oxen’s master
Children’s playground

9. Rule 4d
If the word is singular ( one) and does end in s, add an apostrophe after the s (s’). An additional (‘s) is optional
Gus’ magazine
Gus’s magazine

10. Extra Tip
If two people own something together, place the apostrophe after the last person’s name.
Joan and Dave’s new car.
If two people each own items, place the apostrophe after each of the names.
Bob’s and Hannah’s new cars.

11. Practice My typewriters key always sticks. It wont type any gs.
I have two boys named Joe is my class. Both Joes last names start with P.
My childrens toys are scattered all over the house.

12. When to NOT use them At the end of every word that ends in an “s.”
DON’T do this:
I live in St. Clair Shores’.
I am proud to be among the family of Shorians’.
My sister has attended many schools’.
Teachers’ are always assigning so much homework!

13. Apostrophes to show ownership
What if a group of people own something?
Answer: the apostrophe goes after the plural “s”
Example: The Smiths’ house was beautiful.
This house belongs to more than one Smith.

14. Apostrophes to show ownership
What if two people own something?
Answer: Use the apostrophe and “s” after the second name only if two people possess the same item.
Example: Lisa and Matthew’s house is beautiful.

15. Apostrophes to show ownership
Never use an apostrophe with possessive pronouns: his, hers, its, theirs, ours, yours, whose. They already show possession so they do not require an apostrophe.
Example: The beautiful house is hers.

16. Apostrophes in contractions
The apostrophe is always placed at the spot where the letter(s) has been removed.
They’re= they are (the “a” is replaced with an apostrophe)
You’re= you are (the “a” is replaced)
Don’t= do not (the second “o” is replaced)
She’s= she is (the “i” is replaced)
Isn’t= is not (the “o” is replaced)

17. It’s and Its: What is the difference?
It’s= a contraction meaning it is (the second “I” is replaced)
Example: It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood.
Its= belonging to it
Example: The dog hung its head in shame after it was caught chewing the couch cushions.