What are apostrophes for?

Apostrophes have two uses: possession and omission.

Possession

Possession shows ownership of something.

The apostrophe goes after the owner’s name to show possession. If the owner is singular, add an s after the apostrophe.

E.g The hat belongs to Jim. It is Jim’s hat.

However, if the word already ends in an s, you don’t need to add an s after the apostrophe.

E.g James’ dog is friendly.

This is the same for when the owner is plural.

E.g The ladies’ handbags are green.

If the plural does not end in an s, you still add and apostrophe and the s.

E.g He went to collect the men’s coats.

Warning!

Don’t use an apostrophe when you use a possessive pronoun.

E.g its is her ours yours

Omission

Apostrophes are also used when you want to leave out one or more letters. The apostrophe replaces the missing letters or letters. These are called contractions.

Warning!

Don’t confuse its and it’s.

It’s is a contraction of it is or it has.

E.g It’s sunny outside.

Its is the possessive pronoun.

E.g The cat wants its dinner.