APOSTROPHES
Showing Possession and Creating Contractions
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Identify apostrophes and understand the purpose
of using them to increase writing clarity
Understand how to use apostrophes to show
possession for both singular and plural nouns
Recognize how and when to use apostrophes
to create contractions
WHAT IS AN APOSTROPHE AND HOW IS IT USED?
An apostrophe is a punctuation mark (') used
in writing to indicate either possession or
the omission of letters or numbers.
We will look at how to use apostrophes
for singular and plural nouns as well as
how to use apostrophes in contractions
and other unique instances.
SHOWING POSSESSION FOR SINGULAR NOUNS
A singular noun is a noun that
refers to one person, place,
thing, or idea. To indicate
possession for a singular noun,
add an apostrophe “s” at the
end of the word.
Example: Marnie’s playlist is
carefully selected depending on
what she is doing that day.
SHOWING POSSESSION FOR SINGULAR NOUNS
Here are some more examples of of using apostrophes to show
possession for singular nouns.
If you follow him on social media, then you would know
Mateo’s profile always has new pictures posted.
Shelly’s favorite past time is reading books and playing games
on her tablet.
Ciara’s car needs gas before we drive to the party later.
SHOWING POSSESSION FOR PLURAL NOUNS
Most plural nouns end in “s.” To
indicate possession, add only an
apostrophe to the end of the word.
This also applies to words where
the singular and the plural take the
same form.
Example: The gathering was suppose to be a social event, but all
the guests’ devices were out and in use.
SHOWING POSSESSION FOR PLURAL NOUNS
Here are some more examples of of using apostrophes to show
possession for plural nouns.
Several students' backpacks were left in the classroom on the floor.
The two dogs' toys were scattered all over the yard and the house.
The teachers’ lounge has chairs for the teachers to sit in and relax.
The citizens’ votes will be counted at the end of election day.
SHOWING POSSESSION FOR
SINGULAR NOUNS THAT ENDS IN “S”
When a singular noun ends in "s," an
apostrophe “s” is for possession. Although it
might look repetitious, it is clear it is a
singular noun.
Example: Chris’s speaker is not working
today, and he was planning on using it during
his presentation.
SHOWING POSSESSION FOR PLURAL
NOUNS THAT DOES NOT END IN “S”
When a plural noun ends without an
“s,” an apostrophe “s” is added with
the understanding the the word
plural.
Example: Children’s technology use
has increased significantly in the
past several years.
USING APOSTROPHES TO CREATE CONTRACTIONS
Contractions are shortened forms of words or combinations of words
created by omitting certain letters and sounds. An apostrophe replaces
the missing letters.
She’s printing her paper now.
I'm going to the store and the bank.
They've already left the party.
We'll see you tomorrow at noon.
He’s ready to leave for the concert.
CONTRACTIONS AND FORMAL WRITING
Contractions help to make language more fluid and conversational. They
are commonplace in our everyday speech and help make our language
more effecient. While contractions are appropriate to use in many
contexts, contractions should be avoided in formal academic writing. Here
are some reasons why contractions should not appear in academic writing:
Avoiding Using contractions Avoiding
contractions can convey a light contractions
lead to clearer and tone that might be adheres to
more precise inappropriate in professional
language formal contexts. writing guidelines
Applying apostrophes in the
appropriate ways and contexts will
help the overall clarity of your writing.
