Understanding Apostrophes

by Jean Reynolds, Ph.D.

English grammar and usage rules can be confusing.

One of the most confusing topics is the use of apostrophes.

Does the apostrophe go before the “s” or after the “s”?

And when should you omit apostrophes altogether?

Today we’re going to clear up that confusion.

Let’s get started.

Here’s how to do apostrophes correctly every time:

Look for the correct spelling of the word or name.

LouisLouis’s shift

womenwomen’s concerns

bossboss’s desk

Try these yourself!

(Remember: Look for the correct spelling of the word or name.)

the childrens safety

Dennis award

Mrs. Harris car

both boys parents

the Johnsons house

an officers duties

Let’s start by spelling each word and name correctly.

children

Dennis

Mrs. Harris

both boys

the Johnsons

an officer

Now the apostrophes are easy!

children’s

Dennis’

Mrs. Harris’

both boys’

the Johnsons’

an officer’s

children’s safety

Dennis’ award

Mrs. Harris’ car

both boys’ parents

the Johnsons’ house

an officer’s duties

Sometimes there are TWO correct answers…

…meaning that you can add an extra “s” to Dennis and Harris if you like.

Dennis’s award

Mrs. Harris’s car

That’s because these names end in “s.”

Dennis’s award

Mrs. Harris’s car

Or you can forget about that extra “s.”

Both ways are correct!

Dennis’ award

Mrs. Harris’ car

Dennis’s award

Mrs. Harris’s car

Let’s try a few more!

(Remember: Look for the correct spelling of the word or name.)

the puppys shots

the puppies shots

the Smiths window

Mr. Carneys accident

the peoples rights

First we’ll spell each one correctly.

puppy

puppies

the Smiths

Mr. Carney

the people

Now it’s easy!

(Remember: Look for the correct spelling of the word or name.)

the puppy’s shots

the puppies’ shots

the Smiths’ window

Mr. Carney’s accident

the people’s rights

Now let’s take a look at plurals.Here are the Petersons. (Nice family, aren’t they?)

Should we insert an apostrophe into Petersons?Here’s the answer: It depends.

Apostrophes signify “of” ideas. They don’t mean “more than one” or “several.”

The Petersons are having a salad for lunch today.

There’s no “of,” so there’s no apostrophe.

The Petersons’ dining room overlooks a lovely garden.

“dining room of the Petersons” – yes, you need an apostrophe.

That “of” gives it away.

Try these yourself. (Be sure to look for an “of” idea!)

The Smiths are in Honolulu.

The Holders alarm system isn’t working.

The Chans asked me to check on their house.

The Farrells car was stolen.

The Smiths are in Honolulu.

The Holders’ alarm system isn’t working.

The Chans asked me to check on their house.

The Farrells’ car was stolen.

Here are the answers:

How did you do?

The Smiths are in Honolulu. (no “of”)The Holders’ alarm system isn’t working. (alarm system of the Holders)The Chans asked me to check on their house. (no “of”)The Farrells’ car was stolen. (car of the Farrells)

Now let’s look at one more issue related to apostrophes: Possessive pronouns.

Sound difficult? It’s not.

Here’s a useful trick: Think about the word his.

His never has an apostrophe, does it?

His is a possessive pronoun.

Possessive pronouns never have apostrophes. Never.

That desk is hers.

While your car is in the shop, you can use ours.

Our department increased its budget again this year.

For example:

An apostrophe in it’s means it is:

It’s raining.I think it’s going to storm.

You can learn more about apostrophes at

www.YourPoliceWrite.com.

Everything there is free, and no registration is needed:

www.YourPoliceWrite.com.

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Criminal Justice Report Writing is available from www.Amazon.com for just $17.95.

View a free sample online.

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A free Instructor’s Manual is available on request: Send an e-mail to jreynoldswrite at aol.com.