Use Of The Apostrophe

Apostrophes create a lot of confusion, but if you take a few moments to study these simple rules you will soon realise that they are not as difficult as they seem.

1. An apostrophe is used to show omission of one or more letters.
   
   I can't do this exercise. It's too hard.
   (can't) (it is)
   
   Don't say that. I'm sure you'll soon get the hang of it.
   (Do not) (you will)
   
   
2. An apostrophe is used to show ownership or possession. It may be used:
   
   
   • when the owner is singular.
     (Note that the apostrophe is before the 's')
     
     The visitor's car is parked in the wrong place.
     (the car belonging to one visitor)
     
     The director's office is being decorated.
     (the office belonging to one director)
     
     The cat's whiskers are on either side of its face.
     (whiskers belonging to the cat)
     
     
   • when the owner is plural.
     (Note that the apostrophe is after the 's')
     
     The visitors' car park is closed for repairs.
     (the car park belonging to many visitors)
     
     The directors' cars are very expensive.
     (the cars belonging to many directors)
     
     
   • An apostrophe is only used in it's to represent 'it is'.
     
     It's very tough working out where to put the apostrophe?
     (It is)
     
     Note: Take a look at these exceptions:
     
     Singular
     The child's toy
     (the toy belonging to the child)
     (apostrophe before the 's')
     
     Plural
     The children's toys
     (the toys belonging to the children)
     (the aposrophe is still before the 's' because the word children is in itself plural)
     
     Similar examples are:
     man's tie
     men's ties
     woman's coat
     women's coats
     
     BUT:
     lady's dress
     ladies' dresses
     
   
   
   

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