7.6: Trouble Spots in Language- Using Apostrophes

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What Is an Apostrophe?

An apostrophe is the punctuation mark in these sentences:

This is Alice’s phone.
I didn’t see you.
It’s raining.

The apostrophe is one of the most misused punctuation marks in written English.

When Do I Need an Apostrophe?

Use an apostrophe …

Do not use an apostrophe …

After a person, to show belonging:

My brother’s house is on the lake.
Sam’s wife’s name is Josie.

With a short form:

I can’t drive a car.
Mark wasn’t at school today.

With a plural:

They have two dog’s.
I need to buy some new skate’s.

With a he/she/it verb:

She play’s softball in the summer.

It often rain’s on the west coast.

It’s or Its?

Use It’s …

Use Its …

For a short form (= it is):

It’s Monday.
It’s time for bed.

To show belonging:

The town celebrated its 200^th anniversary.
The dog ate its dinner.

You Try It!

Look at the following advertisements for goods for sale. Circle and correct the mistakes in the use of apostrophes. Two sentences are correct.

Barbecue, $50. Its old, but it still works.
Two kitchen chair’s. Oak with leather-look seats. $40 for the pair.
Acoustic guitar. Comes with it’s own case. $45 obo.
Food processor. Work’s well but I never use it. $30.
Lawnmower, $25. Must have transportation as I cant deliver.
Comic books. Batman, Superman, etc. All in good condition. Enquire for prices.
Im selling my daughters old bicycle. $20 or best offer.
Two ticket’s to weekend music festival. Paid $100, asking $75.
Winter tires. Good condition. $250.
Treadmill, $200. Its in excellent condition—never been used.