Apostrophes are used for two main reasons: to work hand-in-hand with the "S" to show possession (to show that something belongs to someone or something else) or to show that letters are missing from words. The latter is an easy thing to catch:

can't = cannot
don't = do not
could've = could have
I'se = I have (has) been
somethin' = something
it's = it is
who's = who is
'80s = 1980s


When showing possession, however, there are a few things to keep in mind:

If it is a singular noun (one person, place or thing like "car" or "Chris"), use an apostrophe and then add the "S" to the end of the word.

car's horn
Chris's^* book

_{(Some people would rather say Chris' book, but that is technically incorrect based on the strictest usage standards. See the * below for more information.)}


If it is a plural noun (more than one person, place, or thing) that ends in the "S" (friends, bears) you simply have to add the apostrophe.

my friends' phone numbers (more than one friend's phone number)
the bears' den (more than one bear's den)


If it's a plural noun that doesn't end in "S" (children, women), you will again add the apostrophe and the "S".

the children's park (a park belonging to more than one child)
the women's restroom (a restroom belonging to all women)


Apostrophes and compound (created by combining more than one word) words:

If you have a word that is a combination of two or more other words (mother-in-law), you add the apostrophe and "S" to the very end of the last word.

his mother-in-law's lasagna


The possession exception: its, whose (and other possessive pronouns)

The word "its" without the apostrophe actually shows possession automatically (meaning it is something that belongs to "it")

Did you notice its color? (Did you notice the color of it?)

versus

It's cold outside. (It is cold outside.)


The word "whose" without the apostrophe falls under the same rule.

Whose cup is that? (The cup belongs to whom?)

versus

Who's that? (Who is that?)


In addition to "its" there are other "possessive" pronouns that do not need apostrophes or the "S" after them because they already show possession. These words are as follows: his, her (hers), my (mine), your (yours), our (ours), their (theirs).

his book (The book is his.)
her dress (The dress is hers.)
my pencil (The pencil is mine.)
your friend (a friend of yours)
our house (The house is ours/The house belongs to us.)
their couch (The couch is theirs.)


The apostrophe also shows plurals (more than one) of lowercase letters.

Do you know your p's and q's?

You should not include an apostrophe after capital letters (A, C, D), numbers (1, 4, 500), symbols ($, &, %), or years (1920, 1930)

As, Cs, Ds
1s, 4s, 500s
$s, &s, %s
1920s, 1930s


An apostrophe is never used to make a word plural (to show there is more than one of something). There are no exceptions.

The Johnsons are a very nice family.
Have you seen the cubs?
I really like those lamps.


* Singular Nouns that End in the "S"

_{There are a few different "rules" for this particular usage. There are schools that allow you to drop the "S" after a singular word if it does not add a syllable to the word (such as the proper noun Johnsons becoming Jonhsons's or Johnsons'), but this is not always the case; there are also schools who say the 's is not necessary if the "S" is already there (such as with Chris above). To be safe in all cases, the 's is your best bet. However, whichever method you decide to use, it will only be acceptable if you use it consistently (meaning the same way every time).}


If you have any additional questions about the apostrophe or would like to see other quickie grammar lessons, please do not hesitate to contact *WordCount for more information.

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Past Editorials:

Giving Prose Visual Appeal
Preventing Prose Miss-Cats: Romantic and Erotic Fiction

Past Features:

Great Prose Exposed: Feature #1
Great Prose Exposed: Feature #2
Staff Prose Exposure Feature