Avoiding an Apostrophe Catastrophe

Apostrophes are used in three basic ways:

1.      to show possession. The apostrophe follows the name of the owner and is usually followed by an s.

• This semester’s classes
• A man’s man
• Ludakris’s lyrics

Note that if the name of the owner ends in an s, there is another s added after the apostrophe. However, if the owner is plural ending in s, there is no s after the apostrophe.

·        The students’ suggestion (more than one student)

·        My friends’ ambition (more than one friend)

If a word ends with an s with a z pronunciation, an apostrophe alone is sometimes used.

·        Sir Charles’ golf game

·        Britney Spears’ profound lyrics

2.      in contractions.  In a contraction, the apostrophe appears where the letters are omitted.

·        can’t (cannot)

·        didn’t (did not)

·        he’s (he is)

·        they’re (they are)

3.      in a plural form only when referring to letters and words.  Italicize the letter or word and then put in an un-italicized apostrophe followed by and un-italicized s.

·        The word “committee” has two m’s, two t’s, and two e’s.

·        There are too many like’s in that sentence.

*THE WORD it’s IS A CONTRACTION.  IT ALWAYS MEANS “IT IS.” 

*THE WORD its SHOWS POSSESSION, JUST LIKE HIS, HERS, THEIRS, AND OURS.  NONE OF THESE WORDS HAVE APOSTROPHES.  NEVER EVER USE AN APOSTROPHE IN its TO SHOW POSSESSION.