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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/7210-Apostrophe-Where-When-and-Why-Part-1.html
For Authors: September 16, 2015 Issue [#7210]

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For Authors


 This week: Apostrophe Where, When, and Why Part 1
  Edited by: Vivian Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

         Apostrophes can be confusing. When used correctly, readers can better understand what we write. Therefore, I'm starting a series of "rules" about apostrophes. I hope these help all the writers out there.

I love black cats, so ledger created me a sig with one


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Letter from the editor

Apostrophe or Not to Apostrophe, Part 1


         When rules are condensed, some may be overlooked. However, the following is about half of the ones I've collected. I'll list the others next issue.

Rule 1. Use the apostrophe with contractions. The apostrophe is always placed at the spot where the letter(s) has been removed.
                    Examples:           don’t, isn’t; You’re right. She’s a great teacher.

Rule 2. Use the apostrophe to show possession. Place the apostrophe before the s to show possession in nouns   that end in other than s or s sound. Place an apostrophe after a final s to show possession.
                   Examples: a boy’s hat; a woman’s hat; one actress’ hat; a child’s hat; Ms. Chang’s house;
    two houses’ doors

         The change of how to show possession changed in the late 1960s, but some entities haven't accepted this change. Some text books use the "new" rule; some don't.

Rule 3. Use the apostrophe where the noun that should follow is implied.
          Example: This was his father’s, not his, jacket.

Rule 4. To show plural possession, make the noun plural first. Then immediately use the apostrophe as needed   (‘s) when word ends in something besides s and an apostrophe when word ends in s or s sound).
          Examples: three boys' hats; two women’s hats; two actresses’ hats; two children’s hats
                   the Changs’ house; the Joneses’ golf clubs; the Strauses’ daughter;
                    the Hastingses’ appointment; the Leeses’ books

Rule 5. Do not use an apostrophe for the plural of a name.
          Examples: We visited the Sanchezes in Los Angeles. The Changs have two cats and a dog.

Rule 6. With a singular compound noun, show possession with ’s at the end of the word.
          Example: my mother-in-law’s hat

Rule 7. If the compound noun is plural, form the plural first and then use the apostrophe.
         Example: my two brothers-in-law’s hat

Rule 8. Use the apostrophe and s after the second name only if two people possess the same item.
          Examples Cesar and Maribel’s home is constructed of redwood.
                   Cesar’s and Maribel’s job contracts will be renewed next year. (Indicates separate ownership)
                   Cesar and Maribel’s job contracts will be renewed next year. (Indicates joint ownership of more
                              than one contract.)


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Ask & Answer

Words from Our Readers


         My last issue gave the 8 C's of writing. However, I didn't check my formatting closely enough, and the Research point, which is part of Completeness/Correctness. Sorry for the mistake.

Lucinda Lynx Author IconMail Icon
Sounds simply awesome!

         Thank you.

Simply Author IconMail Icon
Hehe, I'm sure Research does not start with C! How about the 8 C's + 1 R of Writing? I'm just joking, great newsletter and defo things to keep in mind. Thanks!!

         Yep. I addressed that above.


Thank you for joining me again. Next month I'll finish the apostrophe list. Then I'll give writing conference information I find.

A sig given as gift. }

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