Correct Usage of Apostrophe
Could you give us a quick rundown or point us to some resources that might help clarify things?
Hello! Yes, indeed apostrophes can be a bit tricky!
Possessive: Shows something belongs to someone (e.g., Anna’s book = The book that belongs to Anna).
Contraction: Shortens words by leaving out some letters (e.g., I’m = I am).
For further explanation,
Possessive Nouns:
One Thing (Singular): If something belongs to one person or thing, just add an apostrophe and an “s.”
- Example: Sam’s toy (The toy belongs to Sam).
Many Things (Plural Ending in “s”): If many people or things own something, and their name ends in “s,” just add an apostrophe after the “s.”
- Example: The cats’ toys (The toys belong to multiple cats).
Many Things (Plural Not Ending in “s”): If many people or things own something, and their name doesn’t end in “s,” add an apostrophe and an “s.”
- Example: The kids’ games (The games belong to the kids).
Contractions:
Making Short Words: An apostrophe is used to show that some letters are missing in a short form of two words.
- Example: Can’t (short for cannot), It’s (short for it is), Don’t (short for do not).
