2. Common Usages of Apostrophes
Most commonly used with
contractions
Also used with nouns and some
pronouns
Shows ownership
Shows relationship
3. Possessive Nouns - Singular
Singular noun
Add ‘s to the noun
Owl + ‘s = owl’s
This hollow tree is the owl’s home
Charles + ‘s = Charles’s
Preserving historic buildings is Prince Charles’s
personal crusade
Singular compound nouns and the names
of most businesses & organizations use
the same format
A two-year-old’s soccer skills are limited.
I enjoy looking at Barnes and Noble’s website.
4. Possessive Plurals
Plural nouns that end in s
Add only an apostrophe to form the possessive
of a plural noun that ends in s.
Boxes + ‘ = boxes’
All of the boxes’ contents are leaking out.
Plural nouns that don’t end in s
Add ‘s, just like you would for the singular
noun
Women + ‘s = women’s
The women’s softball uniforms arrived today.
