In my last blog I mentioned commas and apostrophes. Of course, we’ve all used commas and apostrophes. Try the game on this site to see how comfortable you are with them.
How did it go?
Today, we could have a wee bit of a closer examination of apostrophes, which you will have found at the end of the game. There are 13 apostrophe rules but since 7 is a luckier number than 13, I’ve only written the 7 most important ones.
Rule 1.
Use the apostrophe with contractions. The apostrophe is always placed at the spot where the letter(s) has been removed.
Examples: don’t, isn’t
You’re right.
Rule 2.
Use the apostrophe to show possession. Place the apostrophe before the s to show singular possession.
Examples: one boy’s hat
one woman’s hat
Rule 3.
Use the apostrophe where the noun that should follow is implied, in other words we know what the noun should be.
Example: This was his father’s, not his, jacket.
Rule 4.
To show plural possession, make the noun plural first. Then immediately use the apostrophe.
Examples:
two boys’ hats
two women’s hats
Rule 5.
Do not use an apostrophe for the plural of a name.
Examples: We visited the Sanchezes in Los Angeles.
The Changs have two cats and a dog.
Rule 6.
With a singular compound noun, show possession with ‘s at the end of the word.
Example: my mother-in-law’s hat
Rule 7.
If the compound noun is plural, form the plural first and then
use the apostrophe.
Example: my two brothers-in-law’s hats
Don’t worry about the other 6 rules. Pay particular attention to these 7 tips and you’ll be apostrophe-perfect.
Good luck,
Grammar Girl