An apostrophe (‘) is one of the punctuation marks which is used for two basic purposes,
1. It is used to show possession
2. It is used to show the omission
Now, I will provide a few examples. Read them to know about the above purposes.
Use Apostrophes to show Possession
As you know that possession is used to refer the state of owning something, it means that apostrophes are used to show someone’s possession about something.
- This is, actually, John’s ball that you are holding.
In the above example, you can see that an apostrophe with an –s has been put just after the name John, which shows possession. It means that the ball belongs to John. He is the one who is the owner of that ball.
1. The girl’s play area was so beautifully arranged.
2. I have borrowed my sister’s drawing pencils.
3. I saw a terrible accident of Leo’s car.
Rules to Follow for Forming Possessives
1. You have to add an –s after the apostrophe. For example, girl’s room, John’s laptop, sister’s bag, monkey’s face, group’s work, children’s place, etc.
2. If there is a joint possession, remember to add an –s at the end of the last word. For example, uncle and aunt’s place, John and my sister’s wedding function, Leo, Twain and Jamie’s home, etc.
3. If a plural noun already ends in –s, then you do not need to add another –s. In this case, remember to add an apostrophe just after –s. For example, girls’ bedroom, learners’ notebooks, monkeys’ food, kids’ wear, etc.
Use Apostrophes to show Omission
Omission means that something is excluded. It means that you can use apostrophes when letters are excluded or omitted from words.
- I don’t have any problem if you want to stay here.
In the above example, you can see an apostrophe in ‘don’t’. Don’t is the short form for ‘do not’.
1. He’ll not join us tonight because he’s not feeling well.
2. Please! Avoid going outside; it’s so hot.
3. He didn’t write this for you.
Rules to Follow for Omission
In this case, find out that place where the letters are omitted; that will be the place to add an apostrophe.
1. Do not > don’t
2. Should not > shouldn’t
3. Did not > didn’t
4. Cannot > can’t
5. Would not > wouldn’t
6. Will not > won’t
7. She would , she had > she’d
8. I am > I’m
It is concluded that an apostrophe is a punctuation mark (‘) which is used to show possession or to show the omission of letters.