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Apostrophe
The apostrophe ( ' )is used to
a) indicate nouns and indefinite pronouns
which show ownership.
's is added to nouns and indefinite pronouns
unless they already end in -s. In this case, only the apostrophe
is added after the final -s.
Examples
Tom's wallet was stolen.
The children's toys were colorful. |
Everyone's job was to clean the kitchen.
The boys' cat finally came home.
James' dinner was cold. |
b) indicate individual ownership for words
in a series; to indicate joint ownership for words in a series.
Examples
Individual Ownership: Tim's and Chris'
books were left on the table.
Joint Ownership: Tim and
Chris' book was left on the table. |
c) indicate a contraction by
replacing the omitted letters or numbers.
Examples
did not = didn't
they are = they're
of the clock = o'clock |
madam = ma'am
I will = I'll
Class of 1971 = Class of '71 |
d) form plurals of a letter,
numeral, or words considered as one word. The letters, numerals,
and
words – but not the apostrophe and s – are italicized.
Examples
Watch your p's and q's.
His 5's resemble his 8's.
I haven't written my thank you's
yet. |
| Exceptions |
Example |
| Abbreviations with periods are not italicized. |
Johanna and Steven received their Ph.D's. |
| Abbreviations and acronyms without periods
do not contain the apostrophe in the plural form. |
We have two VCRs in our house.
My brother found my IOUs in his wallet. |
| Decades do not include an apostrophe. |
The 1960s were a tumultuous ten years. |
More punctuation guides
Return to Writing
- Reading Center webpage
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