Using apostrophes correctly

  Biscuit Trail: Home  Free Grammar Lessons  Using Apostrophes Correctly

sponsored by the WhiteSmoke grammar checker
Get our daily grammar
tip on Twitter 		Add our gadget to your   
iGoogle homepage   		 English lessons online. Live from USA. Download our
e-book ($7.95) 		Buy the only grammar checker endorsed by Grammar Monster




 
Apostrophes can be used to replace missing letters, to show possession (including terms like three months' wages) and, occasionally, to show plurals.
 


When to Use Apostrophes

The rules about when to use apostrophes can be summarised:

a. To replace missing letters (e.g., aren't).
b. To show possession (e.g., Sarah's jumper).
c. In expressions such as 3 months' wages.
d. In the plurals of abbreviations, letters and numbers (e.g., 6's and 7's).

Unless it is covered by one of the categories above, an apostrophe should not be used.

The Most Common Mistake with Apostrophes

Words that end in the letter s seem to attract apostrophes. The plural of words ending in vowels (e.g., video, patio) are extremely prone to this error.

 Anteater's prefer termite's to ant's.
Pearl's melt in vinegar.

Hire two video's for the price of three.  [correct the example]
(Do not add an apostrophe just because a word ends in 's'.)

Putting an apostrophe before the s in a plural word is a very common mistake and is considered a grammatical howler.

Select the correct version:

 
Associated lessons:
 
The apostrophe error with plurals
Apostrophes in time (temporal) expressions
Apostrophes replace letters
Apostrophes to show the plural of abbreviations
Apostrophes show possession 		 
   

Grammar Monster © | Copyright Registration Number: 226604 | All rights reserved