Use
apostrophes
* to show possession and to
form contractions.
* To form the possessive of
a word (singular or plural) that does not end in s,
add an apostrophe and an s.
The car's fuel
pump must be replaced. The media's role is unclear. Women's
studies interest men, too.
* To form the possessive of
a word (singular or plural) that ends in s, add just
the apostrophe.
Charles'
stolen car was found cross town. The boys' football game
ended in a tie.
Note: It
is also permissible to add an apostrophe and an s to form
the possessive of singular nouns ending in s (Charles's
stolen car).
* To show joint possession,
use an apostrophe only with the last noun. To show
individual ownership, use an apostrophe with every noun.
Martha and
Louise's committee report was thorough and clear. Jason's
and Helen's financial problems can be solved with better
money management.
* Do not use apostrophes
with possessive pronouns (its, whose, hers, his, ours,
yours, theirs).
©Bainbridge High
School, 9330 NE High School Road, Bainbridge Island, Washington
98110
04/09/99
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