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Apostrophes

Apostrophes are used in two different ways:

1. Apostrophes can be used to show where a letter or letters are missing from a
word. The apostrophe is put above the word where the letters have been removed.
Remove the letter or letters.
Put in the apostrophe.

Squash the words together.

You have ... You ’ve ... You’ve ...

These shortened words are called contractions.

Here are some more contractions:

she will ..... she’ll should have ..... should’ve he has ..... he’s it is ... it’s

Contractions (shortened words) can be used in
INFORMAL writing, such as in speech or writing to
friends. However, you should not use contractions

in FORMAL writing.

2. Apostrophes are also used to show that something belongs to someone or
something (they show ownership).

When there is one owner, put the apostrophe before the final s.

The dog’s collar The collar belongs to the dog.

When there is more than one owner (plural) you usually put the apostrophe

after the final s.
The horses’ field The field belongs to the horses.

HOWEVER, for plurals that do not end with s, you just add ’s.
e.g. The mice’s cheese The people’s club

The men’s shop The women’s gym
The children’s party The sheep’s field

Its does not have an apostrophe to show ownership because it
NOTE: could be confused with it’s (it is). Example: It’s in its box.

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