Uses of Apostrophe ( ‘ ) –
In English it is very important to know the rules to use apostrophe in the proper way .
An apostrophe is a punctuation mark used to show possession of a noun or to show contracted form of words .
Use of Apostrophe for showing Possession –
1 . Use Apostrophe ( ‘ ) + ” s ” with nouns that don’t end with ” s ” –
i . It is used with singular nouns that has a possession.
Example –
This is my father’s property .
This is our school’s ground .
ii . It is also used with collective nouns that don’t have ” s ” at the end.
Example –
Their team’s logo has changed .
It is our family’s garden .
iii . It is also used with Plural nouns that don’t end with ” s ” .
Example –
There is a children’s corner in the museum .
She open women’s parlor.
2 . Use only Apostrophe ( ‘ ) with Plural Nouns that end with ” s ” –
Example – This is a kids‘ school .
This is a girls‘ college .
3 . Use Apostrophe with Singular Nouns that end with ” s ” –
i . Generally we can use apostrophe + ” s ” or just an apostrophe with the singular nouns end with ” s ” . Both are correct but depend on personal choice and style guide.
Example – This is a glass‘ shop .
This is a glass’s shop .
It is a bus’s engine .
It is a bus‘ engine .
All of the above are correct .
ii. But for words which are same in singular and plural forms , we use only Apostrophe if these words end with ” s ” .
Example –
Please bring the scissors‘ container .
4. Use of Apostrophe when two Nouns possess or own same thing –
In that case we use Apostrophe + ” s ” only to the second noun.
Example –
Rony and Roji’s project was fantastic.
Juli and Zarina’s house is very nice .
5 . Use of Apostrophe for Plural Numbers and Letters – We can use apostrophe + ” s ” with Plural letters and numbers .
Example –
Count the number of 3’s in 23.03.1933.
You used extra i’s in your writing .
Use of Apostrophe to Omit Letters or for Contraction or shortened version of words –
1 . We use apostrophe for the contraction of words .
Contractions are combination of two other words in English language.
Example –
Am – I am – I’m
Ar- We are – We’re
What are – what’re
Is – It is – It’s
Who is – who’s
Will – She will – She’ll
What will – what’ll
Have – I have – I’ve
Who have – who’ve
Had – He had – he’d
Who had – who’d
Would – They would – They’d
Who would – who’d
Is not – Isn’t
Let us – Let’s
Can not – Can’t
Should not – Shouldn’t
Would not – Wouldn’t
Would have – Would’ve
do not – Don’t
did not – didn’t
does not – doesn’t
could not – couldn’t
are not – aren’t
has not – hasn’t
have not – haven’t
had not – hadn’t
shall not – shan’t
might not – mightn’t
must not – mustn’t
will not – won’t
may not – mayn’t
need not – needn’t.
ought not – oughtn’t
Some other contractions –
you all – y’all
Tell them – Tell’em
I am going to – I’mma
Some more – S’more
Do you – D’you
Apostrophe to shorten other words –Swimming – swimmin’
Moving – movin’
Afraid – ‘fraid
