Apostrophes
Apostrophe [ ' ]
1. Use the apostrophe to indicate the possessive case of the noun or pronoun.
the student's book
John's golf clubs
one's obligation
2. a. For nouns not ending in s add the apostrophe followed by s.
children's shoes
dog's collar
men's suits
b. For singular nouns ending in an s, sh, or z sound, the possessive is formed either by adding the apostrophe to the final s or by adding the apostrophe and another s.
James' book or James's book
conscience' sake or conscience's sake
c. For plural nouns ending in an s, sh, or z sound, use the apostrophe alone.
the Joneses' house
dogs' collars
the ladies' purses
d. In compound constructions place the apostrophe and s on the word standing immediately before the word being modified.
the King of England's daughter
anyone else's opinion
sister-in-law's cousin
e. Joint possession is shown by adding the apostrophe and s to the last name only or to all the names.
Wendy, Tony, and Christopher's home
Wendy's, Tony's, and Christopher's home
f. Separate ownership is denoted by the apostrophe and s after each name and the plural form of the modified word.
Wendy's, Tony's, and Christopher's homes
Selma's and Debbie's typewriters
3. Use the apostrophe to indicate the omission of letters or figures.
we've, won't, it's, can't, '73
4. Use an apostrophe to indicate the plurals of figures, letters, and words referred to as such.
Watch your p's and q's.
There are several 5's in the number.
There are too many "and's" in your sentence.
It was a party of V.I.P.'s.
5. Do not use the apostrophe with the personal pronouns to indicate possession.
Is it yours? (not Is it your's?)
Its colour is faded, (not It's colour is faded.)
6. The apostrophe is often omitted in the names of organizations.
Teachers College
Citizens Bank
Lions International
Veterans Administration