1. Apostrophes: Friend or Foe? Apostrophes are primarily used for contractions or to indicate possession. Controversial Tip: When in doubt, leave them out!

2. To Indicate POSSESSION The dog’s food was in the dish. Several stores’ windows were broken.

3. For CONTRACTIONS By nine o’clock, he’d been studying for hours but didn’t remember anything! TIP: Contractions are allowed but should’ve/could’ve/would’ve are consider annoying.

4. ABBREVIATIONS Their I.D.’s were taken away at the gate. Those C.D.’s were on sale.

5. Set off NUMBERS & LETTERS She received some 1’s and 2’s on her essay but really wanted some 3’s and 4’s. He started off with C’s and D’s but ended up with A’s and B’s by the end of the semester.

6. Three SIMPLE rules for showing POSSESSION!

7. Rule 1 Add ‘s to show possession when a noun does not end in s. Ex: The television’s reception is clear. The men’s room was closed. Gary’s class meets on Tuesday.

8. Rule 2 Add ‘s to show possession when a singular noun ends in s. The business’s employees were rude. The ass’s saddle was made of leather. Chris’s pancakes needed syrup. Exception: Mr. Rodgers’ neighborhood doesn’t exist.

9. Rule 3 Add only an apostrophe at the end of the word to show possession when a plural noun ends in s. Those girls’ grades were impressive. Three months’ salary didn’t last long. Several students’ FEE scores showed promise.