 For Authors: October 14, 2015 Issue [#7260] |
  For Authors
This week: Apostrophe Where, When, and Why Part 2 Edited by: Vivian  
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My last issue, I gave the first eight common "rules" of apostrophe usage and promised I would finish this issue with part 2.
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Apostrophe Where, When, and Why Part 2
We covered the first eight common apostrophe rules for usage my last issue, and I promised to finish this issue. Therefore, let's begin with Rule 9:
Rule 9. Never use an apostrophe with possessive pronouns: his, hers, its, theirs, ours, yours, whose. They already show possession, so they do not require an apostrophe.
Examples: Correct: This book is hers, not yours.
Incorrect: Sincerely your’s.
Rule 10. The only time an apostrophe is used as it’s is when the word is a contraction for it is or it has. Its (without the apostrophe) is a possessive pronoun meaning belonging to it.
Examples: It’s a nice day.
It’s your right to refuse the invitation.
It’s been great getting to know you.
Rule 11. The plurals for capital letters and numbers used as nouns are not formed with apostrophes.
Examples: She consulted with three M.D.s.
BUT
She went to three M.D.s’ offices. (The apostrophe is needed here to show plural possessive.)
She learned her ABCs.
the 1990s not the 1990’s; the ‘90s or the mid-’70s not the ‘90’s or the mid-’70’s
She learned her times tables for 6s and 7s.
Exception: Use apostrophes with capital letters and numbers when the meaning would be unclear otherwise.
Examples: Please dot your i’s.
You don’t mean is.
Ted couldn’t distinguish between her 6s and 0’s.
You don’t mean Os.
Rule 12. Use the possessive case in front of a gerund (-ing verb form used as noun or adjective).
Examples: Alex’s skating was a joy to behold.
This idea does not stop Joan’s inspecting of our facilities next Thursday.
Rule 13. If the gerund has a pronoun in front of it, use the possessive form of that pronoun.
Examples: I appreciate your inviting me to dinner.
I appreciated his working with me to resolve the conflict.
Use the possessive form of nouns before gerunds, too.
Example: I appreciated John’s working with me.
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Words from Our Readers
Quintin Seegers 
I think Rule #2 also comes down to whether you follow British or American spelling. Being taught British English at school, we were taught: To show possession of a noun in singular form, it is followed by 's regardless, e.g. the boy's hat, and actress's, Bridget Jones's Diary. Only if the noun is in plural form is it followed by an apostrophe only, e.g. the Jones' house referring to the house owned by the Joneses. I work in the HR industry and and am regularly baffled by people's misuse of the apostrophe in employee's versus employees'. I actually had an HR manager once tell me that they mean the same thing.
Since I am a U.S. citizen, and except for forays out of the country with my military father, have lived here all my life. I studied our way of spelling and our grammar rules. Therefore, I follow U.S. English language usage.
Joy 
A very helpful NL, Viv. If WdC had a huge wall, I'd ask for these basic tips to be etched on it. 
Thanks. I shudder every time I see "writers" misusing their own language.
Lucinda Lynx
It's great that you dare to say you made a mistake. Sometimes I feel I don't write anything the way it should be written, but I try to think it will pass.
Oh, my, we all make mistakes. In fact, correcting our mistakes helps us learn.
Quick-Quill 
Please add when to use an apostrophe in the word "its" I'm so confused....
This rule is included in this issue, the 2nd part of the apostrophe rules.
RegalPen
This s a very informative newsletter. It was a good grammar review. Thank you.
Zeke 
These rules about this punctuation mark are very good.
Zeke
chopstixd
Grammar and usage tips are always welcome/ Thank you.
Thanks. I'm glad you found it helpful.
dwarf2012
Thanks for this informative newsletter.
A question: which punctuation mark has the most rules?
Hmmm ... I'm not sure whether apostrophes or commas would have the most rules -- IF all the rules and exceptions were listed.
the prodigal son returns 2024.
Hi, Vivian. Great Newsletter. My only critical comment pertains to Rule #1 of the apostrophes, as follows:
One of the most common mistakes writers make with respect to the apostrophe involve missing letters at the beginnings and middles of words. For example: The Brit said, "'and me that book, would ya?" Or, "That sounds like a cock 'n' bull story to me, laddie." Mostly in dialogue, but elsewhere also. Thanks.
I'm giving "rules" according to formal English usage. You're talking about writing dialect. However, using an apostrophe in place of missing letters was addressed, but nothing in this discussion has to do with dialect.
Next editorial, I plan on discussing writing conferences and giving some links for people to find where conferences might be found in or close to their locations.
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