Apostrophes

1. By: Christina Dionne Molly Fehsenfeld Apostrophes A writer’s Reference, sixth edition pages 279-282 P5 a-e

2. Use an apostrophe to indicate that a noun is possessive • When to add an ‘s • When the noun doesn’t end in an s • Jack's locker was open. • The cat’s ball went under my chair. • When noun is singular and ends in s or s sound • Thomas’s game was cancelled. • Thomas’ game was cancelled.

3. Adding only an apostrophe • Noun that is plural ends in an s • My teammates’ bags were left on the bus. • Joint possession • My cat and dog’s food went missing. • My cat’s and dog’s food went missing.

4. Use an apostrophe and s to indicate that an indefinite pronoun is possessive • Not specific to just one thing • Someone’s hat flew over my head.

5. Use an apostrophe to mark contractions • Marks contractions • Can not • Can’t • 1970 • ‘70s

6. Optional in plural numbers, letters, abbreviations • Omit ‘ in plural numbers • I skated two figure 8s. • I drew 3 Ms (m’s) on my notebook. • Avoid in plural abbreviations • IOUs

7. Do Not Use • if noun is not possessive • My teammates are going to the game. • If it’s a possessive pronoun • Its • Whose • His/hers • Ours • Yours • Theirs The beach bum has his own surf board.

8. That’s all folks