Apostrophes

When do you use an apostrophe?

With Contractions

do not = don’t

it is = it’s

she will = she’ll

I have = I’ve

Use an apostrophe to show ownership or

possession.

The desk of Kathleen or Kathleen’s desk

The toy of Karen or Karen’s toy

The time of an hour or an hour’s time

For singular nouns, simply use ‘s

The book’s author

Book is singular, so you just add

‘s

For a singular noun ending in –

s, then you add ‘s

• James’s car James is singular, so you add ‘s

• the grass’s color

grass is singular, so you add ‘s

If the noun is plural and ends in –s, add only an apostrophe.

• All four teams’ colors

Teams is plural,so you just add an apostrophe at the end.

• Cats’ baskets

Cats is plural, so you just add an apostrophe.

If the noun is plural but does NOT

end in –s, then you add ‘s

• Children’s games

Children is plural, so you add ‘s.

• Mice’s tracks

Mice is plural, so you add ‘s.

They’re = they are

Their = That is their house.

Who’s = who is

Whose= Whose book is that?

It’s = it is

its = The school wanted to thank its students.

They’re going to the mall.

Who’s going to the party?

It’s almost time for Christmas!