Using Apostrophes Correctly
Understanding the Role of the Apostrophe, No If's, And's, or But's
Aug 24, 2008
Apostrophes are among the most difficult punctuation marks in the English language to use correctly. A multiuse tool, the apostrophe can be used to make possessive and occasionally plural nouns, and is the only means to contract words. Its varied uses are the source of the confusion as to its proper usage.
Possessive Nouns
Apostrophes are the most common way to show ownership of a noun, for example:
- The bone of the dog becomes the dog's bone.
- The pencil of the student is shortened to the student's pencil.
- Lincoln's Gettysburg Address uses the same format, despite both Lincoln and his Gettysburg Address being proper nouns.
Common Possessive Errors
Possessive pronouns such as hers and ours do not require an apostrophe, as the possessive form is automatic in the word. The most troublesome one of these is its, because at this peculiar intersection of rules, the form with the apostrophe is not the possessive – it is a contraction.
Word Contractions
Since apostrophes are the only punctuation mark that can form contractions, this is the easiest usage to understand. Contractions have some popular forms:
- Phrases using “not” can be contracted with “n't,” so do not becomes don't.
- “Are” phrases use “'re” to contract: You are becomes you're.
- These two words, are and not, contract to aren't.
- With “am,” only the “'m” is retained, for example I am becomes I'm.
- 's” can be short for us in let's and is in the confusing it's, a contraction for it is. In the case of “it's,” the similarity to possessive nouns is the cause of one of the most visible grammatical errors in business writing.
Plurals and Apostrophes
Contrary to popular writing convention, apostrophes are almost never needed for creating plurals, even peculiar ones. According to Purdue University, the only reason for doing so is a typographical one: when referring to plural lower case nouns (and arguably upper case vowels), use an apostrophe to avoid possible confusion with words, such as “four a's.” Other terms that one often pluralized with an apostrophe do not require this mark.
- Four D's should simply be written four Ds.
- ATM's should be ATMs.
- The 1970's may be correctly written the 1970s.
Note: Referring to a decade by the shortened form does use the apostrophe, but this use of the mark is as the contractor of words, not a creator of plurals.
- Apostrophes are never used to make a plural out of a common or proper noun.
Correctly using this often confusing punctuation mark can add a level of polish to any piece of business writing. As improper grammars slips itself into more forms of writing, proofreading for accurate apostrophe use will put an article or presentation head and shoulders above the competition.
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