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What is an apostrophe?
An apostrophe is a punctuation mark. It looks like a comma but is
used towards the end of a word to the top right of the letters.
E.g.
Miss Molefe’s
I’m
Why do we use apostrophes?
Apostrophes are used to show possession (ownership) or create a
contraction.
We’re going to learn how to use apostrophes to show possession.
E.g.
Sam’s hat. The hat belongs to Sam. This is a possessive
apostrophe.
The children don’t wear hats to school.
do + not = don’t. The contraction of do
and not is don’t. This is not a possessive
apostrophe.
Rules for Apostrophes for Possession
There are a few rules when it comes to using apostrophes to
show possession. By using these apostrophes, we create
possessive nouns to show ownership or possession of
something.
Apostrophes for possession can simplify how we say things. We
can use them on nouns, but not on pronouns.
The next few slides will break down the rules for using an
apostrophe to show possession.
Rules for Apostrophes for Possession
Rule 1
Add an apostrophe and the letter s to a singular noun that doesn’t
end in s.
This is the most common way apostrophes are used to show
possession.
• The dog’s ball.
E.g.
• My mum’s house.
• The child’s toy.
Rules for Apostrophes for Possession
Rule 2
When a singular proper noun ends in s, you treat it like a singular
noun that doesn’t end in s. Add an apostrophe and the letter s.
E.g.
• Myles’s video game.
• Mrs Jones’s flowers.
Rules for Apostrophes for Possession
Rule 3
When a plural noun ends in s, only add an apostrophe.
E.g.
• My parents’ house.
• The girls’ bathroom.
• The students’ project.
Rules for Apostrophes for Possession
Rule 3
When a plural noun doesn’t end in s, add an apostrophe and an s.
E.g.
• The children’s homework.
• The people’s voice.
• The mice’s cheese.
Rules for Apostrophes for Possession
Rule 4
When a singular noun ends in s, you treat it the same as a plural
noun ending in s - only add the apostrophe.
E.g.
• The scissors’ blade was sharp.
• The pants’ seam was ripping.
Extra for Experts
Now that you know all
about how to use an
apostrophe for singular
and plural nouns, how do
you use one if you have
more than one noun that
has possession of
something?
Extra for Experts
If two nouns equally show possession, you only need to use an
apostrophe on the second noun.
E.g.
• Emma and Andrew’s wedding.
• Sihle and Nandie’s trampoline.
• Mum and Dad’s car.
Extra for Experts
If two nouns show separate possession but are listed together,
they both get an apostrophe.
E.g.
• Shakespeare’s and Dickens’ stories are
timeless.
• These two children are in Miss Thompson’s and Mr
Pillay’s classrooms.
Extra for Experts
If you are showing possession for a hyphenated noun, the
apostrophe only goes on the final word of the noun.
E.g.
• The ten-year-old’s birthday party.
• My great-great-grandmother’s bracelet.
Summary
Apostrophes can sometimes be a confusing type of punctuation,
but you’re now an expert on when to use one to show possession!
Have a go at using apostrophes to show possession in your next
piece of writing. You can use these rules as a cheat-sheet any
time you’re not sure whether or not to use one.
Happy writing!
