Apostrophe (') | When To Use Them - Punctuation Explained

Have you ever wondered what is (') called? It's an apostrophe (uh·paa·struh·fee), and although it is used in many Latin alphabetic languages, it is more commonly utilized in English. But when to use an apostrophe?

In English, apostrophes are placed above most letters and look like this ('). Even though they look like singular quotation marks, they are entirely different as they work alone. Apostrophe rules are important to learn, so let's look at when to use apostrophes with examples for ESL and the upper elementary ELA classroom.

Apostrophe Rules

Apostrophes may be minor punctuation marks, but they are mighty! The primary function of an apostrophe is omitting letters in a word by way of a contraction or shortening a word. Here are some apostrophe rules for getting rid of letters with examples.

When to Use Apostrophes For Getting Rid of Letters

Contractions are extraordinary; they combine and shorten words by using apostrophes.

1. He's on his way. (The apostrophe replaces "i" in he is)
2. She's never been to the States. (The apostrophe replaces "ha" in she has)
3. We've been thinking about your proposal and decided we aren't interested. (The apostrophe replaces "ha" in we've and "o" in are not)
4. Let's go to the mall, where do you want to go? (The apostrophe replaces "u" in let us)
5. It isn't going to be expensive. (The apostrophe replaces "o" in is not)
6. She'll arrive on Monday. (The apostrophe replaces the "wi" in she will)
7. I thought we'd be late. (The apostrophe replaces "woul" in we would)
8. What's up? (The apostrophe replaces "i" in what is up?)

Apostrophe rules: when using an apostrophe in this way, it's worth noting that in formal or academic writing, it's better to write using the complete word, not a contraction.

Apostrophes In Slang

Apostrophes are also used to shorten words in slang, text slang, informal language, and sometimes poetry.

1. 'Tis the season of good cheer. (The apostrophe replaces "i" in it is)
2. Those shoes ain't cool. (The apostrophe replaces "o" in are not or aren't)
3. I'm gon' find it. (The apostrophe replaces "na" in gonna or going to)
4. Walkin' (The apostrophe replaces "g" in walking)
5. Singin' (The apostrophe replaces "g" in singing)

Apostrophes; How Else Can I Use Them?

Apostrophes can also indicate possession and occasionally pluralize numerals and letters. Technically speaking, using apostrophes for possession is another way of reducing the number of letters. Let's look at a few examples.

Apostrophes for Possession

Apostrophes can show possession, indicating who or what has or owns something.

When To Use Apostrophes With Singular Nouns

When indicating possession for singular nouns, one person or thing, add "-s."

1. We are going to Angel's house tonight.
2. They are going to Fran's house.
3. Sally's new dog is so cute!
4. Jamie's backpack.
5. Dad's bike needs fixing.

When To Use Apostrophes With Singular Nouns Ending In "-S"

For singular nouns that end in "-s," you follow the same structure as before. Most style guides say that in English grammar, you should use the following apostrophe rules for singular nouns ending in s. ( s + ' + s) however, check your style guide because there are a few different rules.

1. Chris's motorbike ✅
2. James's dog doesn't like being stroked. ✅
3. The cactus's leaves need water. ✅
4. Texas' strings. ✅ (AP style guide for singular nouns ending in -s when the next noun starts with an -s.)
5. Cass' teacher is over there. ✅

When to Use Apostrophes With Singular Nouns That Don't End In "-S."

When looking at singular nouns that have possession over another noun, use an apostrophe + "-s" at the end of the noun.

Here are a few examples:

1. Danny's bike is outside.
2. I think Fran's tablet is broken.
3. The women's restroom is dirty.
4. George's lunch is on the table.
5. Why don't we go over to Cathy's?

Apostrophes with Possessive Plural Nouns

Here are the apostrophe rules with plural nouns when we want to show possession.

When To Use Apostrophes With Plural Nouns Ending In "-S"

When plural nouns end in "-s," you don't need to change the ending; add an apostrophe.

1. My grandparents' house is huge!
2. Her cousins' backyard is tiny.
3. Why don't we go to Mr. Smiths' shop?
4. Sandras' dog is playing in the yard.
5. Where are the cats' toys?

When To Use Apostrophes With Plural Nouns That Don't End In "-S"

When looking at plural nouns that don't end in "-s," use the following structure:

Use an apostrophe + "s" at the end of the noun.

1. The children's camping trip is canceled.
2. The men's toilet is out of order.
3. She is always correcting people's grammar.

When To Use An Apostrophe For Two Nouns That Own Something Collectively

When two or more nouns are owned collectively, we add an apostrophe only at the end of the second noun and an "-s."

1. David and Claire's house is up for sale.
2. Sally and Jerry's dog has escaped.
3. Mom and Dad's car needs fixing.

When To Use Apostrophes With Its Vs. It's

The age-old question is it, "its,” or “it's?" Well, it really depends on what you're trying to say, and it's one thing that catches people up when writing in English.

"It's" is a contraction replacing "it is," whereas "its" indicates possession. Here are a few examples for you:

• The bunny licks its paws. (Possessive)
• It's a shame that they don't want to speak to us. (Contraction)
• The dog eats all its food in one go. (Possessive)
• It's super important to get 8 hours of sleep every night. (Contraction)

Apostrophe Checkpoint Flashcards

Flip the flashcards to recap the apostrophe rules!

Apostrophe Example Sentences

So, we've learned all about when to use apostrophes; see if you can spot their function in the following sentences.

• Anne and Daves' kitchen has been renovated.
• Travis's teacher was concerned about his grades.
• Travis' teacher was concerned about his grades.
• 'fraid we can't do much about that.
• She'll be here sooner than you think.
• I'm lookin' for a new pair of sneakers.

Apostrophe Quiz

Think you've got it? Try this when to use apostrophe quiz. Got a question wrong? Press reset and try again.

And Finally...

When to use apostrophes, well, I think we've just about covered it. Check out other related content and remember, if the apostrophe isn't replacing, used as a contraction, or showing possession, you don't need it!

Related Punctuation Content

• Punctuation Marks
• Comma
• Semi-colon
• Colon
• Hyphen
• Capitalization
• Quotation Marks
• Punctuation Brackets