Rule 1

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Use an apostrophe to

show possession.​

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Three Rules for Using Apostrophes​

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​If the owner or possessor is a singular noun, add an apostrophe and s

('s).

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Singular = friend

Possessive = friend's

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​THINK: How do you make "kitten" possessive?

​THINK: How do you make "monkey" possessive?

​If the owner or possessor is a plural noun ending in "s", add only an apostrophe (').

​THINK: How do you make "girls" possessive?

​THINK: How do you make "boys" possessive?

​If the owner or possessor is a plural noun not ending in "s" add an apostrophe and s ('s).

​THINK: How do you make "children" possessive?

​THINK: How do you make "women" possessive?

Rule 2

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Use an apostrophe to

show that letters or numbers have been ommitted from a word or expression.

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Three Rules for Using Apostrophes​

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For example...

has not = hasn't

Ed is = Ed's

let us = let's

1996 = '96​

Rule 3

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Use an apostrophe and s ('s) to form the plurals of letters, numbers, and signs.

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Three Rules for Using Apostrophes​

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For example...

your g's look like q's

your 5's look like S's

+'s and -'s are used for addition and subtraction

Too many and's and so's create run-together sentences.​