The Apostrophe Conundrum
If you are a self-proclaimed Grammar Nazi, then the proper use of an apostrophe just might be your biggest pet peeve. From store marquees, city billboards, street signs to advertisements, showcase the terrible use, or rather misuse, of apostrophes. Not a lot of people seem to know what it is, how it got here and what to do with it.
In the 1500, apostrophes were a way to indicate the omission of letters in general. Today you can find them in most common words such as, can't (cannot), it's (it is), doesn't (does not), that's (that is). With millennial lingo taking the world by storm, apostrophes are being used in a rather more fun way. Such as, em' (them). Talkin' (talking), y'all (you all). No wonder there is a mass confusion regarding the usage and placement of the apostrophe.
Omission
The apostrophe, by definition, has only two purposes; to either display possession or to indicate missing letters.
When a group of words are shortened to form one word, an apostrophe is used in place of the omitted word. These words are also known as contractions. The most common form of contractions consist of verbs or words attached to other words.
For example:
- They would = they'd
- She has = she's
- They are = they're
- You must not = you mustn't
Breaking down omissions:
- -n't = not
- -'re = are
- -'d = had, would
- -'ll = will
- -'s = is
- -'ve = have
- I'm = I am
- Let's = let us
Omission and contractions are not used too much, if you are looking at writing a piece that is slightly more formal.
Possessive Noun
This part can be mildly confusing for many. The rules are a bit different, considering what noun you are using as a possessive.
Rule 1:
Add an apostrophe + s for every singular noun.
Example: The cat's toy, my sister's dress, my dog's bowl
Rule 2:
Add only an apostrophe for every plural noun.
Example: The cats' toys (many cats), my sisters' dresses (many sisters), my dogs' bowls (many dogs)
When a plural noun does not end with an s, add apostrophe + s.
Example: the fish's tank, the sheep's wool.
When a singular noun ends with an s, only add an apostrophe. This depends on the style guide you use. Some recommend no addition of the s while some choose to add the s.
Example: Chris' mom, Ross' guitar
OR
Chris's mom, Ross's guitar
No matter what you choose, make sure to add the apostrophe to plural proper nouns that end with an s.
Example: The Smiths' houses, my parents' car
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