Apostrophe+notes

Apostrophe notes: Ms. Bodtker ’ s notes
 * Use an apostrophe to show that a noun is possessive (that it belongs to something else).
 * Ex.: the cat’s dish, a day’s work
 * If you’re not sure, turn it into a phrase using //of//: the dish of the cat, the work of a day
 * Add //‘s// when the noun does not end in //s//.
 * Luck helped that man’s career.
 * If the noun is singular (one thing) and ends in //–s// or an //s// sound, add //‘s// to show possession.
 * Lois’s sister spent last year in India.
 * We talked about Marx’s teachings.


 * However, to avoid awkward pronunciation, some writers just use ‘: We read Sophocles’ play Antigone.
 * If the noun is plural and ends in –s, add only an apostrophe.
 * Both diplomats’ briefcases were searched.
 * Joint possession – belongs to more than one thing or person
 * Use ‘s (or s’) after the last noun only.
 * Have you seen Joyce and Greg’s new camper?
 * Individual possession
 * Use ‘s after each noun
 * John’s and Mary’s attitudes toward homework were very different.
 * John’s and Mary’s attitudes toward homework were very different.


 * Use an apostrophe and –s to indicate that an indefinite pronoun is possessive.
 * Everyone, someone, no one, something.
 * Ex.: Someone’s raincoat has been left behind.
 * DON’T use an apostrophe with possessive pronouns: its, whose, his, hers, ours, yours, theirs
 * Use an apostrophe to mark omissions in contractions and numbers
 * Ex.: It’s a shame that Frank can’t go on the tour.
 * It’s = it is. Can’t = cannot
 * Also used to mark the omission of the first two digits of a year:
 * The class of ‘16
 * The ‘60s generation
 * DON’T use an apostrophe for to form plurals
 * She skated perfect figure 8s.
 * DON’T use an apostrophe to pluralize an abbreviation
 * Harriet has thirty DVDs on her desk.
 * DON’T use an apostrophe with a noun that is just plural.
 * Some students fall asleep in class.
 * Who’s = who is
 * Whose = belonging to someone.
 * Whose hat is that?
 * Who’s waving from that car?