Apostrophes Simplified

’
 Uses of the Apostrophe
1. To show possession.
2. To show that a letter is missing.
3. To show, in some cases, that a word is
plural.
1. SHOWING POSSESSION
 Showing Possession
When it is clear that a word is possessive, then
an apostrophe is required, as in the following
sentences:

This is Maria’s room.

David went to a boys’ school.
The women’s department is on the second
floor.
 Showing Possession
The placement of the apostrophe causes for much confusion. However, the
principle is simple. Let us use the phrase “The boys room” as an example.

Clearly, the room belongs to either one boy, or to two boys. Since there are no
context clues, it is impossible to know precisely which. An apostrophe will clarify
the meaning.

If the room belongs to one boy, then the apostrophe goes after the singular word
boy.

If the room is shared by two or more boys, the apostrophe goes after the plural
word boys.

The boy’s room. - Belongs to just one boy.

The boys’ room. - Belongs to at least two boys.

As you can see, it is now clear how many boys own the room.
 What’s the difference?
I like James and Ted’s project.
I like James’s and Ted’s projects.

1. one project
2. Two projects
 What’s the difference?
My mother-in-law’s purse is on the table.
Our mothers-in-law’s visits are always full of tension..

1. singular
2. plural
Brief Review:

I stole the boys’ hat.

I went to a boys ’ school.
He stole the childrens’ hearts.
 The One Ziz Rule
Plural words that end in an “s” or a “z”
sound will drop the additional “s” in certain
circumstances. I call this “the one ziz
rule.” A word that ends “ziz-ziz” just
sounds stupid. (classical /biblical names)

Jesus’ sandals, NOT Jesus’s sandals.

Moses’ loin cloth NOT Moses’s loin cloth.
St. James’s Palace NOT St. James’ Palace.
2. Showing Missing
Letters/contractions
Showing Missing Letters/digits in
numbers of a year
An apostrophe indicates that letters are missing from
a contraction, as follows:

it’s - it is - “i” is missing from is

didn’t - did not - “o” is missing from not
could’ve - could have - “ha” is missing
won’t - will not - God only knows
can’t - cannot - “no” is missing
e’en - even - “v” is missing
‘54

and so on.
3. Showing Plurals
 Showing Plurals
letters
Numerals
Abbreviations
During the 1960s, I lived in Ontario.
I got straight A’s in all subjects.
PHD’s are necessary to acquire for physicians.
No’s / yes’s
 Uses of the Apostrophe
You now know all you need to about the uses of the
apostrophe.

Remember, it shows (a) possession, (b) omission in

contractions, and (c) certain types of plural.

The following rule of thumb is a good one where the

apostrophe is concerned:

“If in doubt, leave it out.”

 Quick Quiz
1. The childrens department is upstairs.
2. My daughter attended a girls conference in New York.
3. The [one] dogs kennel is outside.
4. The Students Union is on the east side of campus.
5. My uncle is recuperating at the Veterans Hospital in
Indianapolis.
6. Have you noticed Jennifers acne?
7. My grandmother attended the Worlds Fair in 1932.
8. The teams winning streak was short-lived.
9. My mother attends the Peoples Church.
10. The [two] girls room is at the end of the hall.
 Quick Quiz—Answer Key
1. The children’s department is upstairs.
2. My daughter attended a girls’ conference in New York.
3. The [one] dog’s kennel is outside.
4. The Students’ Union is on the east side of campus.
5. My uncle is recuperating at the Veterans’ Hospital in
Indianapolis.
6. Have you noticed Jennifer’s acne?
7. My grandmother attended the World’s Fair in 1932.
8. The team’s winning streak was short-lived.
9. My mother attends the People’s Church.
10. The [two] girls’ room is at the end of the hall.
Painting by David Shevlino PowerPoint Presentation by Mark A. Spalding, BA, MEd,
MA

The
End