How to Use Apostrophes? Learn 3 Golden Rules with Examples

Knowing when and how to use apostrophes in the English language can be quite tricky, especially if you are a beginner at handling punctuation marks without committing an error. The apostrophe is a small comma placed high on the line. It is like a magic punctuation mark that is infamous for mainly two main things, which are, denoting contraction, possession, and omission of alphabets. It mostly shows who owns something or makes writing faster by shortening words. In this, blog you will learn how to use apostrophes with the help of examples and we have practice exercises too. 

Must Read: Punctuation Marks in English 

How to Use Apostrophes? – 3 Golden Rules

The apostrophe (‘) is a tiny punctuation mark that can cause headaches if used incorrectly. So, go through the following apostrophe rules to master their usage: 

Rule 1: Apostrophes for Possessive Nouns

This is the most common use of the apostrophe. It shows ownership of something. Here’s how it works:

• Singular Nouns: Add an apostrophe and an “s” to show ownership
• Plural Nouns Ending in “S”: Just add an apostrophe after the “s”
• Irregular Plurals: Follow the same rules as singular nouns

With Two Names

Utilise the apostrophe (‘) + s after the second name if two people possess the same item. Otherwise, utilise an apostrophe after each name.

Example: 

1. Ria and Amisha’s home is in joint ownership
2. Rahul’s and Amit’s job contracts are in​​ separate ownership
3. We admired Ritesh and Raman’s creativity in their art assignment.
4. Avika’s phone is ringing, and Ramesh’s computer needs to restart.

Apostrophes and Joint Possession

What do you do with the apostrophe when speaking about things belonging to more than one person? When one thing belongs to two or more people together, construct only the final name possession with the apostrophe.

Examples: 

1. Ria and Amisha’s bait shop (Ria and Amisha co-own a bait shop.)
2. Ritu, Amit, and Priyanka’s parents (All three have the same parents.)
3. They can visit the Rashmi family’s annual barbecue this weekend.

Important Note: Singular nouns ending in “s” can be a bit tricky. You can add just an apostrophe or an apostrophe and “s” depending on how comfortable it sounds when pronounced. For example, Charles’s jacket/Charles’ jacket.

Rule 2: Usage of Apostrophe for Contractions and Omissions

A contraction is a compressed form of a word or bunch of words that omits specific letters or sounds. In a contraction, an apostrophe means missing letters. The most common contractions are created up of verbs, auxiliaries, or modals linked to other words like the one mentioned below – 

Contraction with Apostrophe	Uncontracted	Examples
-’d	Would, Had	She would = She’d, They would = They’d
-’ve	Have	They have = They’ve, We have = We’ve
-n’t	Not	Isn’t = Is not, Arn’t = Are not
-’re	Are	We are = We’re
can’t	Cannot	She cannot = They can’t
-’s	Is	He is = He’s, It is = It’s
Let’s	Let us	Let’s go, Let’s talk
I’m	I am	I’m a doctor

Note:- Apostrophes are not used with possessive pronouns like his, hers, ours, theirs, or its.

Rule 3: Apostrophes and Plurals

Using an unneeded apostrophe to form the plural of a noun is an extremely common mistake. Sometimes, it is called the grocer’s apostrophe because it is often spotted in grocery store advertisements (4 grapes for $2!). Don’t do it! With very few exceptions, apostrophes do not make nouns plural. 

Some notable exception to this rule is the plural form of single and lowercase letters, numbers, or symbols, which are formed with an apostrophe to prevent misreading. For example,

• We need more A’s on our report card.
• Don’t forget to dot your i’s and cross your t’s.

Quick Read: 5+ Golden Rules for Prepositions in English Grammar

How to Use Apostrophes in Sentences? – Examples

Apostrophes are small, but they can cause big issues when they are misused. This basic principle is prepared to help you when to use an apostrophe – the right way & how to use it.

Examples: 

• The coach’s lounge is off-limits to children.
• Ritu’s backpack is full of books. 
• The bus’s engines roared to life.
• The dog’s tail wagged excitedly as its owner came.
• We haven’t decided where they’re going on vacation yet.

Must Read: 9 Basic Rules in Grammar to Improve Your English

Apostrophes Exercise for Practice

Instructions: Fill in the blanks with the right apostrophe. Use apostrophe alone or apostrophe + s based on the context of the sentence.

1. The blue car belongs to my ________. (neighbour)
2. They enjoyed reading Shakespeare’s ________ (plays).
3. Don’t forget to pick up _______ (your) dry cleaning after office.
4. The dog wagged its ________ (tail) excitedly.
5. The kids created a sandcastle on the beach. Whose _______ (sandcastle) is this?
6. They can’t wait for _______ (graduation) ceremony!
7. Benjamin borrowed his ________ (brother) bike for a ride.
8. The teacher explained the significance of reading ________ (instructions) carefully.
9. The restaurant is known for its ________ (delicious pastries).
10. Let’s visit the ________ (Kalash) for lunch today.

Answer Key

1. The blue car belongs to my neighbour’s (neighbour’s – singular noun showing possession)
2. They enjoyed reading Shakespeare’s plays (plays – plural noun, no possession)
3. Don’t forget to pick up your dry cleaning (your – possessive pronoun)
4. The dog wagged its tail (its – possessive pronoun referring to a singular noun)
5. The kids built a sandcastle on the beach. Whose sandcastle is this? (whose – possessive pronoun indicating question about possession)
6. They can’t wait for our graduation ceremony! (our – possessive pronoun)
7. Benjamin borrowed his brother’s bike for a ride. (brother’s – singular noun showing possession)
8. The teacher explained the significance of reading instructions carefully. (instructions – plural noun, no possession)
9. The restaurant is known for its delicious pastries. (its – possessive pronoun referring to the cafe)
10. Let’s visit the Kalashs’ for lunch tonight. (Kalashs’ – plural noun showing joint possession)

Check more related reads below!

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