Apostrophe Rules

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1. An Apostrophe indicates that a number or a letter has been omitted (taken out).
it is = its
65 = 1965
does not = doesnt
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2. An apostrophe is used to show the plurals of letter, word, numbers, and signs used as
words.
Dont confuse 7s and 8s.
There are two ts in my name.
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3. The Possessive Singular Nouns: An apostrophe shows possession or ownership. The
apostrophe follows the noun that owns something.
Charlies dog
teachers book
societys values
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4. The Possessive of Plural Nouns: If a plural noun does not end in s, add both an
apostrophe and s (s) to form the possessive.
mens

childrens

oxens

If a plural noun ends in s, add only the apostrophe to form the possessive.
Students speeches
parents cars
animals cages
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5. Only the last part of a hyphenated noun shows possession.
Mother-in-laws book
editor-in-chiefs permission
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6. When the names of two or more persons are used to show joint ownership of the same
thing, only the name of the last person mentioned is given the possessive form.
Mom and Dads idea (they share the SAME idea)
Becky and Jennys friend (they share the SAME friend)
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7. If the names of two or more persons are used to show separate ownership, each name is
given the possessive form.
Timberlakes and Swifts songs (they have their OWN songs)
McIntyres and Gerardys classrooms (they have their OWN classrooms)
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8. Use an apostrophe and s to form the possessive of indefinite pronouns.

someones purse

anothers eyes

nobodys business

DO NOT use an apostrophe to form the possessive of personal pronouns

Theirs, yours, hers, ours, its
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9. When used as adjectives, words expressing time and amount are given the possessive
form.
A days wages (one day = s)
A dollars worth (one dollar = s)

three days wages (many days = s)

five dollars worth (many dollars = s)

Practice
Using the rules listed above, correct the sentences below and identify what number rule it applies
to on the line provided.
1.

Shell realize that we arent there

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2.

Stacys courage helped the rangers find the plane.

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3.

Theyre studying the effects of chemicals on insects.

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4.

Some workers give exactly eight hours worth of work.

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5.

I did not agree with her sister-in-laws advice.

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6.

The camera is the photographers.

7.

You can abbreviate 1980 as 80.

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8.

Tennysons poem is beautiful.

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9.

This years wheat crop exceeded all expectations.

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10. Arent womens running shoes cool?

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11. No one elses suggestion was as original as Mrs. McIntyres . ______________________________________

12. Rutherford B. Hayes term of office was in the late 1800s. ______________________________________
13. Didnt Sarahs and Dianes home runs tie the score?

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14. Tim and Kims parents car is a 76 Pontiac.

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15. Hanks cake won the prize at the food fair.

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