You've outlined the rules for using apostrophes quite well! To summarize:
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Singular Nouns: For a singular noun, show possession by adding an apostrophe before the "s".
- Example: the dog's bone (the bone belonging to one dog).
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Plural Nouns Ending in "s": For plural nouns that already end in "s", add an apostrophe after the "s" to indicate possession.
- Example: the dogs' bones (the bones belonging to multiple dogs).
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Plural Nouns Not Ending in "s": For plural nouns that do not end in "s", add an apostrophe followed by "s".
- Example: the children's toys (the toys belonging to the children).
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Contractions: Use an apostrophe to indicate omitted letters in contractions.
- Example: don't = do not.
These rules help clarify ownership and simplify certain phrases in writing. If you have any more questions or need examples related to apostrophes, feel free to ask!