Apostrophe Catastrophe’s

Apostrophe Catastrophes

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» When do I use an apostrophe?

1. Use an apostrophe to indicate that a noun is possessive.

Reminder:In the English language the possessive case of nouns is formed by adding an apostrophe and an s or, with some words, merely an apostrophe, to the noun.

EXAMPLES: » A child’s toy» Bert’s paper» Two ladies’ umbrellas

Not sure? Try an “of” phrase in place of the word. If the “of” phrase makes good sense, then an apostrophe is called for.Example: a half hours work [An apostrophe in hours?]Work “of a half hour” [This makes good sense, therefore…]A half hour’s work..

When to add –’s1. If the noun does not end in –s, add ~’s.

Roy managed to climb out on the driver’s side.Thank you for refunding the children’s money.

2. If the noun is singular and ends in ~s, add ~’s.Lois’s sister spent last year in India.

» EXCEPTION: If pronunciation would be awkward with the added ~’s, some writers use only the apostrophe. Either use is acceptable.˃ Atticus’ children were well educated.

2. Use an apostrophe and –s to indicate that an indefinite pronoun is possessive

» Note: Indefinite pronouns refer to no specific person or thing: everyone, someone, no one, something.˃ Someone’s raincoat has been left behind.

3. Use an apostrophe to mark omissions in contractions and numbersIn contractions the apostrophe takes the place of missing letters.

It’s a shame that Frank can’t go on the tour.It’s stands for it is, can’t for cannot.

The apostrophe is also used to mark the omission of the first two digits of a year (the class of ‘95) or years (the ‘60s generation).

We’ll never forget the blizzard of ‘96.

4. An apostrophe is often optional in plural numbers, letters, abbreviations, and words mentioned as words.» Plural numbers and abbreviations: add –s or –’s. YOU CHOOSE, BUT BE

CONSISTENTPeggy skated nearly perfect figure 8s [or 8’s].We collected only four IOUs [or IOU’s] out of forty.To pluralize decades, most current writers omit the apostrophe: 1920s

(not 1920’s).

» Plural letters: Italicize the letter and use roman type for the – ending. Use of an apostrophe is recommended.

» Two large J’s were painted on the door.» Plurals of words mentioned as words: Italicize the word and use roman type of

the ~s ending. Use of an apostrophe is optional.» We’ve heard enough maybes [or maybe’s].» Words mentioned as words may also appear in quotation marks. When you

choose this option, use the apostrophe: We’ve heard enough “maybe’s.”

Avoid common misuses of the apostrophe» Do not use an apostrophe in the following

situations:˃ Nouns that are not possessive:

+ Some outpatients are given special parking permits. (THIS IS PLURAL, NOT POSSESSIVE!!!!)

˃ In the possessive pronouns Its, whose, His, Hers, Ours, Yours, and Theirs

+ Each area has its own conference room. It’s means “it is.” The possessive pronoun its contains no apostrophe despite the fact that it is possessive.

+ This course was taught by a professional florist whose technique was Japanese.

Who’s means “who is.” The possessive pronoun is whose.

What is wrong with these signs?