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Articles

The apostrophe dilemma

We've all seen misuse of the apostrophe - but exactly when and where do you use it?

The English language is very eclectic, (has many influences or sources), and derives many words from Latin, Anglo Saxon, French and other influences. Grammar can be particularly frustrating, but when it is used properly, can delight the reader. I was fortunate to have some very inspiring and dedicated English grammar teachers who illuminated the history of English in a way that made it very special and memorable. I am the oldest of four children. My late father was very particular about English grammar and spelling - he would always have a dictionary handy and make us look the word up rather than him spelling it - dad also used to say that swearing was a waste of words, as there were far more eloquent words we could use that expressed far more meaning.

The main points to remember:

1. Avoid using an apostrophe to indicate a plural.
2. Use apostrophes to indicate possession.
3. Use apostrophes in contractions (don't - do not).
4. Be aware of the its/it's exception.

The apostrophe indicates ownership or possession.
It should not be used if the word is just plural.
Example: apples not apple's
We bought lots of apples at the fruit shop. (Apples is plural.)

The apple's sour today. (The apple is sour today.)

Dos and don'ts not Do's and Don'ts.
(Don't is short for Do not so must have an apostrophe for the missing letter. Dos is plural and does not have an apostrophe.

A good test is to think of whether the apostrophe is replacing another letter or not as is don't (do not).

90s and CDs are plural words and do not require an apostrophe.
Example: In the 90s we learned ...
She purchased three music CDs ...
Lots of CDs and DVDs for sale ...

(This is the modern use, however many years ago an apostrophe in the plural of the above was also accepted but is now confusing in a sentence with other plural words.)

When a word is already plural - the apostrophe goes before the 's' ... "The men's or the women's club"; "The children's dresses were pink and frilly." The dresses belong to the children, but since the word children is already plural without having to add an "s" at the end, this is an exception.

Other examples:
Look at the tree's branches move. This means a singular tree and it's branches.

Look at the trees' branches move. This indicates lots of trees (plural) and their branches.

He's jumping up and down. (He is jumping up and down.)

She's arrived home. (She has arrived home.)

The cat's whiskers were wet with milk. (This indicates the whiskers belong to the cat.)

Be aware of the its/it's exception.
Use an apostrophe with the word "it" only when you want to indicate a contraction for "it is" or "it has." Its is one of the few words that indicates possession without an apostrophe. For example, "That noise? It's just the dog eating its bone." This may seem confusing, but it follows the same pattern as other possessive pronouns: his, hers, its, yours, ours, theirs.

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