 For Authors: September 16, 2015 Issue [#7210] |
  For Authors
This week: Apostrophe Where, When, and Why Part 1 Edited by: Vivian  
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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.
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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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