Transcript Apostrophes’

A PowerPoint presentation to
teach you why using an
apostrophe here is wrong!
Rule 1

Use an apostrophe in a contraction to
show where letter(s) have been omitted.
Can’t = cannot
 She’ll = she will
 I’ve = I have

Rule 2

Use an apostrophe when the first two
numbers are omitted from the year.
‘84 = 1984
 ‘99 = 1999

Rule 3

Use an apostrophe when taking letters
or words out of context. They will also
be quoted.
You need to cross your “t’s” next time.
 There are too many “well’s” in this
paragraph.

Rule 4

Use an apostrophe to show ownership
or possession.
The student’s phone was confiscated.
 The students’ phones were not to be
used during class.

Rule 4a

If the word is singular (one), add
apostrophe + s (‘s).
Barber’s chair
 Blender’s buttons
 Mrs. Stuckey’s boots

Rule 4b

If the word is plural (more than one) and
ends in s, add the apostrophe after the s
(s’).
Dogs’ kennel
 Pilots’ association
 Ladies’ club

Rule 4c

If the word is plural (more than one) and
does NOT end in s, add apostrophe + s
(‘s).
Women’s magazine
 Oxen’s master
 Children’s playground

Rule 4d

If the word is singular ( one) and does
end in s, add an apostrophe after the s
(s’). An additional (‘s) is optional
Gus’ magazine
 Gus’s magazine

Extra Tip

If two people own something together,
place the apostrophe after the last person’s
name.

Joan and Dave’s new car.

If two people each own items, place the
apostrophe after each of the names.

Bob’s and Hannah’s new cars.
When to NOT use them
At the end of every word that ends in an “s.”
 DON’T do this:

I live in St. Clair Shores’.
I am proud to be among the family of Shorians’.
My sister has attended many schools’.
Teachers’ are always assigning so much homework!
Apostrophes to show ownership
What
if a group of people
own something?
 Answer: the apostrophe goes after the
plural “s”
 Example: The Smiths’ house was beautiful.
○ This house belongs to more than one Smith.
Apostrophes to show ownership
What
if two people
own something?

Answer: Use the apostrophe and “s” after
the second name only if two people
possess the same item.
 Example: Lisa and Matthew’s house is beautiful.
Apostrophes to show ownership
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.
 Example: The beautiful house is hers.
Apostrophes in contractions

The apostrophe is always placed at the
spot where the letter(s) has been
removed.
 They’re= they are (the “a” is replaced with




an apostrophe)
You’re= you are (the “a” is replaced)
Don’t= do not (the second “o” is replaced)
She’s= she is (the “i” is replaced)
Isn’t= is not (the “o” is replaced)
It’s and Its: What is the difference?
 It’s=
a contraction meaning it
is (the second “I” is replaced)
 Example: It’s a beautiful day in the
neighborhood.
 Its= belonging to it
 Example: The dog hung its head in
shame after it was caught chewing
the couch cushions.