Apostrophes in Grammar: A Quick Guide
An apostrophe (') is a punctuation mark with two main uses in grammar:
1. To show possession: This is the most common use of the apostrophe.
* Singular nouns: Add an apostrophe and an 's' to show possession.
* The dog's bone.
* The car's engine.
* Mary's book.
* Plural nouns ending in 's': Add only an apostrophe after the 's'.
* The students' desks.
* The cats' toys.
* Plural nouns not ending in 's': Add an apostrophe and an 's'.
* The children's playground.
* The men's restroom.
2. To show contractions: This is when two words are combined into one, with a letter or letters omitted. The apostrophe takes the place of the missing letters.
* I am becomes I'm.
* He is becomes He's.
* They are becomes They're.
* It is becomes It's.
* Do not becomes Don't.
* Cannot becomes Can't.
Important Notes:
* Plural nouns that are not possessive: Do not use an apostrophe for plural nouns that are not showing possession. For example, "The apples are red."
* Pronouns: Use apostrophes with possessive pronouns like "hers," "his," "yours," "ours," and "theirs." Avoid using apostrophes with possessive pronouns like "mine," "yours," and "ours" (e.g., "The book is mine, not your's.").
Remember: Apostrophes are small but powerful. Using them correctly can help you write clearly and accurately.