UWF Writing Lab Rules of Thumb for Possessives/Apostrophes

UWF Writing Lab Rules of Thumb for Possessives/Apostrophes from Real Good Grammar, Too by Mamie Webb Hixon Created by April Turner

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Writers use the apostrophe to substitute for the preposition of, by, with, or for: • a doctor’s appointment (appointment with the doctor) • a week’s notice (notice of one week) • the children’s toys (toys for the children) • Presidents’ Day (Day for [two] Presidents) • the boss’s desk (desk of the boss) • Sophocles’ plays (plays by Sophocles)

Use the apostrophe and -s or only the apostrophe in these instances: • For singular nouns before plural nouns or other singular nouns: attorney’s fees, the book’s editor • For singular nouns ending in –s: Bill Gates’s computer OR Bill Gates’ computer (unless the pronunciation is distorted: Ulysses’ computer, NOT Ulysses’s computer) • For plural nouns ending in –s: the Joneses’ van, my parents’ divorce, both students’ papers, all instructors’ grades • For plural nouns not ending in –s: the people’s court, women’s rights

Use the apostrophe and -s or only the apostrophe in these instances: • For indefinite pronouns: nobody’s business • For joint ownership: Ted and Jane’s wedding • For individual ownership: Ted’s and Jane’s wedding rings • For compound singular nouns: the lieutenant governor’s staff • For compound plural nouns: my brothers-in-law’s jobs

Use the apostrophe and -s or only the apostrophe in these instances: • For words with fixed apostrophes: bachelor’s degree, bachelor’s degrees • For plural of letters, numbers and symbols: 3’s and A’s • For words used as words: too many wherefore’s in legalese • For time periods: 1900’s OR 1900s • For plurals of initials and abbreviations: two Ph.D’s on the faculty; several TV’s or TVs • For contractions: it’s (it is), who’s (who is), you’re (you are), they’re (they are)

Use a possessive noun or pronoun preceding a gerund: • my going to college • your coming to class • Carol’s leaving early • Betty’s being on time • your giving a report

For possessive pronouns: its whose yours theirs ours hers For plurals: the Joneses dictionaries bonuses Do NOT use an apostrophe

Let’s Practice!!! • As a complaint clerk for the city, he handles peoples complaints and requests. • …PEOPLE’S COMPLAINTS… • Mr. Davis grandmother stepped out of her grandsons 1952 Ford at the corner of Seventh Street and Peach Tree Avenue. • MR. DAVIS’ or DAVIS’S GRANDMOTHER…GRANDSON’S 1952 FORD… • My three little girls favorite cartoon comes on very early Saturday morning. • …GIRLS’ FAVORITE… • A sale of childrens’ and mens’ Dingo boots doesn’t happen regularly. • …CHILDREN’S AND MEN’S…

Let’s Practice a Little More… • David’s and Kevin’s classroom is on the right at the end of the hall. • DAVID AND KEVIN’S… • Brent and Brian’s report cards were smudged and torn. • BRENT’S AND BRIAN’S… • The three musketeer’s swords are fine, fast, and fancy. • THE THREE MUSKETEERS’ SWORDS… • My sister-in-laws’ child-rearing practices leave much to be desired. • MY SISTER-IN-LAW’S CHILD-REARING… • My brother keeps his bachelors degree framed in his office. • …BACHELOR’S DEGREE…

Almost There… • On my last report card, I received two As, one B, and two Cs. • …A’s…C’s. • There are too many maybes in his report. • …MAYBE’S… • The hospital has four M.D.s on staff today. • …M.D.’s… • Whose your favorite actor in Hollywood? • WHO’S… • I am excited about you addressing the assembly. • …YOUR ADDRESSING…

Last Ones!!! • Florida expects its’ students to speak and write well. • …ITS STUDENTS… • Ed drove the Harrises’ home from the Joneses party. • …HARRISES…JONESES’ PARTY.

UWF Writing Lab Rules of Thumb for Possessives/Apostrophes