APOSTROPHES

Rule 1. Use the apostrophe with contractions. The apostrophe is always placed at the spot where the letter(s) has been removed.

Example don’t, isn’t

Rule 2. Use the apostrophe to show possession. Place the apostrophe before the s to show possession by one person.

Examples the boy’s hat
the boy’s hats (One boy possesses more than one hat.)

Rule 3. To show possession by more than one person, make the noun plural first. Then immediately use the apostrophe.

Examples

one boy’s hat	two boys’ hats
one woman’s hat	two women’s hats
one actress’s hat	two actresses’ hats
one child’s hat	two children’s hats
Ms. Smith’s house	the Smiths’ house

Rule 4. To show singular possession with proper nouns ending in s or an s sound, you have the option of dropping the s that would normally follow the apostrophe.

Example of singular possession Ms. Jones’ office OR Ms. Jones’s office

Example of plural possession the Joneses’ house
NOTE: This example still follows Rule 3.

Rule 5. With a singular compound noun, show possession with ’s at the end of the word as in Rule 2.

Example my mother-in-law’s hat

Rule 6. If the compound noun is plural, Rule 3 still applies.

Example my two brothers-in-law’s hats

Rule 7. Use the apostrophe and s after the second name only if two people possess the same item.

Examples Mark and Bonnie’s home is constructed of redwood.
Mark’s and Bonnie’s job contracts will be renewed next year. (separate ownership)
Mark and Bonnie’s job contracts will be renewed next year. (joint ownership of more than one contract)

Rule 8. Never use an apostrophe with possessive pronouns—his, hers, theirs, ours, yours. They already show possession so do not need an apostrophe. The only time an apostrophe is used for it’s is when it is a contraction for it is.

Examples This book is hers, not yours.
It hurt its paw.
It’s a nice day.
That is your right.
BUT You’re right. (You are right.)

Rule 9. Using an apostrophe to show plurals of numbers, letters, and figures is optional.

Examples She consulted with three M.D.’s. OR She consulted with three M.D.s.
She went to three M.D.s’ offices. (plural possessive)

Rule 10. Use possessive case in front of a gerund (ing word).

Examples Alex’s skating was a joy to behold.
This does not stop Joan’s inspecting of our facilities next Thursday.
I appreciate your inviting me to dinner.

Are you ready for the exercise?