Rhetoric and Composition/Apostrophes

Use

 * Apostrophes are used to indicate possession and in contractions.
 * Add an "'s" when the noun does not end in an "s" (driver's) or when the noun is singular and ends in an "s" (Lois's).
 * However, if the pronunciation of a word would be awkward with the "s" added, it is acceptable not to use the extra "s".
 * If the noun is plural and ends in "s", you don't need to add an apostrophe (diplomas' instead of diploma's).


 * Joint Possession
 * If there is a compound noun, add the possessive apostrophe to the last noun.
 * Example: I went to see Anthony and George's new apartment. (The apartment belongs to both Anthony and George.)
 * If the compound noun indicates individual possession, add the apostrophe to both nouns.
 * Example: Mary's and Brian's sense of style was quite different. (Mary and Brian have individual senses of style.)


 * Compound Nouns
 * If a compound noun uses dashes, place the apostrophe after the last nouns.
 * Example: My brother-in-law's house

Common Misuses

 * Do not use apostrophes in nouns that are not possessive. Example:  Some parent's are more strict than mine.  (Apostrophe is not necessary)
 * Do not use an apostrophe in possessive pronouns such as its, whose, his, hers, ours, yours, and theirs.