Apostrophes By: Stefan Cefali

Rule 1

Use the apostrophe to show possession Ex. The boy’s dog. The man’s shoe.

Although there is an exception when it comes to this rule for common nouns that end in the letter s, like Christmas or bus.

Rule 2

Rule 2 deals with regular nouns when they are in their plural forms (guy, guys, car, cars).To show possession for a regular plural noun just simply add an apostrophe the end of the word.

Ex. Guys’ night out. The two cars’ doors

Rule 3

For a compound noun, add an apostrophe and an s at the end to make it plural.

Ex. Mother-in-law That is my Mother-in-law’s coat. His Brother-in-law’s food.

Rule 4

If two people possess something put the apostrophe + s at the end of the second name only.

Ex. That is Chris and Pam’s house Do you like Jack and Jill’s car?

Rule 5

Use apostrophes when using contractions. The apostrophe is inserted where a letter or letters have been removed.

Ex. Didn’tCan’tWouldn’tIsn’t

Rule 6

There are various approaches to the use of apostrophes when it comes to capital letters, initials, or numbers used as nouns.All of the following are considered correct.

Ex. 1990s1990’sHe consulted with two M.D.sHe consulted with two M.D.’s

Rule 7

Amounts of time and money are used as possessive adjectives that require apostrophes.

Ex. Two days’ leave My two cents’ worth

Rule 8

The personal pronouns hers, ours, yours, theirs, its, whose, and oneself never take an apostrophe.

Rule 9

Beware of false possessives, which often occur with nouns ending in S. Don’t add apostrophes to nouns that are used as adjectives.

Ex. He likes that Black Eyed Peas song.She is a United States citizen.

Rule 10

Beware of y endings; do not show possession by changing y to -ies.

Ex. The company’s policy The two companies’ policies.

Question/ Game time!

1. The dog cant/can’t run.

2. That is Jim’s and Kate’s/Jim and Kate’s house.

3. That is Jacks/ Jack’s hat.

4. The Cefali/Cefali’s are here.

5. The companies/company’s rules.