Apostrophes

What are Apostrophes Used For?

Apostrophes are used to show possession or a contraction. For a quick flowchart, scroll to the end of the page.

Possession with singular words

Apostrophes come before the "s" in these words. Here are a few example phrases:

The student's cell phone.

Game of Throne's fan base.

Beyonce's album.

Possession with plural words

English plurals do not always end in "s". (Here's why). If the plural word ends in "s", the apostrophe goes after it. If the plural does not normally end in "s", the apostrophe goes before it. Here are a few example phrases:

Plural ending in "s": the cats' water bowls. (apostrophe after)

Plural ending in "s": the students' cell phones. (apostrophe after)

Plural not ending in "s": the women's clothing department. (apostrophe before)

Plural not ending in "s": the geese's flight path. (apostrophe before)

Possessive pronouns

These do not use an apostrophe. Here are a few example phrases:

My cell phone.

Your concert tickets.

Her album.

Their car.

Its water bowl. (Note: its is a possessive pronoun. It's means "it is").

Contractions

These use an apostrophe where there are missing letters. Here are a few example phrases:

Do not becomes don't.

You are becomes you're.

She is becomes she's.

They are becomes they're.

It is becomes it's.

• • If you mean "it is", use an apostrophe. For example, "it's hot outside" means "it is hot outside". If you mean to show possession, don't use an apostrophe. Example: "the dog spilled its water bowl".