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Learn when and how to use apostrophes, including forming possessives of nouns and showing the omission of letters in contractions. Avoid common mistakes in using apostrophes.
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Apostrophes When to use an apostrophe
Use of Apostrophes Apostrophes are used to: 1. Form possessives of nouns 2. Show the omission of letters
Forming Possessives of Nouns Add‘sto the singular form of the word or name (even if it ends in s) Mary’s car Charles’s bike Add‘s to the plural forms that do not end in s The geese’s waddle.The children’s game was cancelled. Addan ’ to plural nouns that already end in s The babies’ cries were heard. The lions’ roars were ferocious.
Showing Omission of Letters This is when apostrophes are used in contractions. Although commonly used verbally and in informal writing, APA style does not allow the use of contractions. don’t = do not I’m = I am he’ll = he will could’ve = could have didn’t = did not
Apostrophes and Plural Forms Do not use an apostrophe to form the plurals of nouns, abbreviations, or dates of numbers. Instead of an apostrophe, add an s instead. The cost of the trip is 560 euros. I was born in the 1990s. The RAs took their job seriously.
Its vs. It’s Its means “belonging to it” The dog wagged its tail.The cat licked its paws. It’s is a contraction for “it is” or “it has” It’s (it has) been a tiring day.It’s (it is) time to go home.