1. Using Apostrophes

2. ’ Using Apostrophes There are two uses for apostrophes:
1. to form contractions
did + not = didn’t
2. to show possession or ownership
Jean’s essay was good.

3. Using Apostrophes FORMING CONTRACTIONS I + am = I’m
could + not = couldn’t
REMEMBER: The apostrophe takes the place of the missing letter(s). Be sure to put it in the right location!
Did’nt Didn’t
wrong
right!

4. Using Apostrophes SHOWING POSSESSION: Singular
the hat belonging to the girl = the girl’s hat
the coat belonging to the boy = the boy’s coat
the title belonging to the book = the book’s title
REMEMBER: You need to add both the apostrophe and the -s.

5. Using Apostrophes
Tip: Even when a singular noun already ends in -s, you must still add an apostrophe and an -s to form the possessive.
The class’s test scores were high.
Lewis’s essay was interesting.

6. Using Apostrophes SHOWING POSSESSION: Plural
Form the possessive of plural nouns, including plural names, by adding just an apostrophe. No additional -s is needed after the apostrophe when the plural noun already ends in -s.
The two computers’ monitors were different.
The Clintons’ relationship is interesting.

7. Using Apostrophes
Tip: When a plural noun does not end in -s, you must add an apostrophe and -s to form the possessive.
The children’s boots are covered with mud.
Men’s fashions do not change as radically as women’s do.

8. Using Apostrophes
HERE’S A COMMON MISTAKE! Don’t make a noun possessive when it really is just a plain old plural. The students’ did well. The students’ success was well deserved.
plain old plural X
possessive

9. Using Apostrophes
Here’s another common mistake! Don’t mix up possessives and contractions.
Possessive
Contraction
theirs
there’s
(= there is)
whose
who’s
(= who is)
your
you’re
(= you are)

10. Using Apostrophes
Here’s an exception to the rule about forming possessives: Possessive pronouns do not use apostrophes.
That is ours.
That is yours.
That is theirs.
That is hers.
That is his.

11. Using Apostrophes
SPECIAL PROBLEM
IT’S / ITS

12. Using Apostrophes Many people confuse its and it’s.
Remember that its, which means belonging to it, is like other possessive pronouns—it doesn’t take an apostrophe!
The contraction it’s means it is. The apostrophe tells you that the letter i is missing.

13. Using Apostrophes
The bakery donates its leftover bread to a soup kitchen.
It’s too late to register for that course now.
Let’s Try Some!

14. Using Apostrophes A turtle hides it’s head and legs when its afraid.
Incorrect!
A turtle hides its head and legs when it’s afraid.
Correct!

15. Using Apostrophes
Its snowing, so the traffic department will send out it’s plows.
Incorrect!
It’s snowing, so the traffic department will send out its plows.
Correct!

16. And that’s all there is to know about apostrophes. Easy, isn’t it?
Using Apostrophes
And that’s all there is to know about apostrophes. Easy, isn’t it?

17. Using Apostrophes
THE LESSONS END
…oops, I meant
THE LESSON’S END!