There are different ways that apostrophes can be used in the English language. The right usage is important since relations between items or things are shown by this mark. The main rules of its usage are showcased below:

  1. Use Apostrophe for Possession

This is the primary rule for using an apostrophe. In order to show possession, any singular noun is written along with the letter ‘s’ with an apostrophe in the middle, for example:

  • Mrs. Down’s house
  • A man’s hat

  1. Possession in Case of Common Nouns ending with the Letter S

In the case of common nouns that end with letter s such as bus, cactus or proper nouns such as Christmas or Jones, it might be conflicting to use the apostrophe along with letter s, hence, the right formula to keep the meaning right needs to be applied. For instance, with the last name Jones, in order to show possession, it needs to end with apostrophe and letter s. Example Jones’s.

  1. In Certain Cases, Words Come with a Standalone Apostrophe

For example:

  • Texas’ weather: it also helps to denote something belonging to a person.
  • Mr. Jones’ pen

  1. Use of Apostrophe for Regular Nouns in Singular or Plural

Nouns in singular would have an apostrophe before the letter s whereas, in plural form, the apostrophe is placed after the letter s to denote something that belongs to many.

For example, the actresses’ dressing room is an instance of how the apostrophe is used with a plural noun.

  1. Apostrophes Should not be Used to Denote Plural Form

Example:

CORRECT

“Many happy Christmases have been part of our childhood”.

INCORRECT

“Many happy Christmas’s have been part of our childhood”.

  1. Apostrophes Used for Clarity

In certain cases, with lowercase singular letters, apostrophes help to denote plural form. For example, “Several do’s and don’ts”.

  1. Use of Apostrophe with the Plural form of Irregular Nouns

Nouns such as tooth or child have different plural forms which are children or teeth. In case something related to that is being denoted, the apostrophe should be used after the word and the letter s placed after that.

For example,

  • ‘children’s hats‘ is the correct form
  • and ‘children’s’ hats‘ is incorrect.
  1. The Apostrophe is also Used before a Shortened Word or Number in the Abbreviated Form

For example,

  • ‘Twas the night before my exams or
  • I was born in ’08

The above points showcase the main uses of the apostrophe in the English language.

How do you use apostrophes correctly?

What are the 5 examples of apostrophe?

Apostrophe Rules for Possessives
  1. Use an apostrophe +”s” (‘s) to show that one person/thing owns or is a member of something.
  2. Use an apostrophe after the “s” (s’) at the end of a plural noun to show possession.
  3. If a plural noun doesn’t end in “s,” add an apostrophe + “s” to create the possessive form.

Is it Chris’s or Chris ‘?

What are the 3 Uses of apostrophe?

The truth is that Chris takes just an apostrophe only if you follow the rules in the The Associated Press Stylebook. In other style guides, Chris takes an apostrophe and an s: Chris’s.

What is a possessive apostrophe example?

How do you teach apostrophes?

An apostrophe is a small punctuation mark ( ‘ ) placed after a noun to show that the noun owns something. The apostrophe will always be placed either before or after an s at the end of the noun owner. Always the noun owner will be followed (usually immediately) by the thing it owns.

How do you use a possessive apostrophe with two names?

The apostrophe has three uses: 1) to form possessive nouns; 2) to show the omission of letters; and 3) to indicate plurals of letters, numbers, and symbols.

Do I use an apostrophe for possessive?

To show possession, you add an apostrophe to the end of ‘children’ and then finish with an ‘s’: children’s. For example: children’s clothes; children’s books.

What apostrophe should I use?

Rule 1: Use an apostrophe to show that someone or something owns something (possession). If something belongs to a singular noun that does not end in “s,” use an apostrophe before an “s” plus the letter “s” after the noun when writing about it: The dog’s collar was blue.

What is correct James or James’s?

If two people possess the same item, put the apostrophe + s after the second name only. Example: Cesar and Maribel’s home is constructed of redwood. However, if one of the joint owners is written as a pronoun, use the possessive form for both.

Can we use apostrophe with non living things?

An apostrophe is used in a possessive form, like Esther’s family or Janet’s cigarettes, and this is the use of the apostrophe which causes most of the trouble. The basic rule is simple enough: a possessive form is spelled with ‘s at the end.

Can we use it’s for living things?

Use only an apostrophe for singular nouns that are in the form of a plural⁠—or have a final word in the form of a plural⁠—ending with an s. Nouns that end in an s sound take only an apostrophe when they are followed by sake. A proper noun that is already in possessive form is left as is.

What are the 5 basic needs of all living things?

Commentary: both James‘ birthday and James’s birthday are grammatically correct. Remember: it’s up to you! Use the version which best matches how you would pronounce it. Use James’s if you pronounce it “Jamesiz”, but use James‘ if you pronounce it “James“.

What are the importance of living thing?

For non–living things, the apostrophe + s is not used. Instead, of the is used to show something is part of a non–living thing. The reason for this is that unlike living things, non–living things cannot own things.

What are 10 living things?

You use “they” for plural nouns, living, non-living, or living, but not human. You use “it” for many living things – trees, animals that you don’t feel affection for, coral reefs, etc.

What is the longest living thing on earth?

In order to survive, animals need air, water, food, and shelter (protection from predators and the environment); plants need air, water, nutrients, and light. Every organism has its own way of making sure its basic needs are met.

Is wind a living thing?

You depend on each other and need the nonliving things in your home, like food, water, air, and furniture. Living things need nonliving things to survive. Without food, water, and air, living things die. Sunlight, shelter, and soil are also important for living things.