How do you use an apostrophe to show possession for singular and plural nouns and to form a contraction?

Answer 1

Apostrophes are used in English in two main ways: to show possession and to form contractions. Here's how to use them for both singular and plural nouns, as well as for contractions:

Showing Possession

1. Singular Nouns:

   • For singular nouns, add an apostrophe followed by the letter "s" (’s).
   • Example:
     • The book of the teacher → The teacher’s book
     • The car of John → John’s car

2. Plural Nouns:

   • For plural nouns that already end in "s", just add an apostrophe after the "s".

   • Example:

     • The books of the teachers → The teachers’ books
     • The houses of the cats → The cats’ houses

   • For plural nouns that do not end in "s", add an apostrophe followed by "s" (’s) just like singular nouns.

   • Example:

     • The children of the family → The family’s children
     • The men of the group → The group’s men

Forming Contractions

A contraction combines two words into one by omitting certain letters and replacing them with an apostrophe.

• Example of Common Contractions:
  • Is not becomes isn't
  • You are becomes you're
  • They will becomes they'll
  • I have becomes I've

Summary

• Use ’s for singular nouns to show possession.
• Use just an apostrophe (’) for plural nouns ending in "s".
• Use ’s for plural nouns not ending in "s".
• Use apostrophes to indicate missing letters in contractions.

Following these rules will help ensure proper use of apostrophes in your writing.