© Laura Tores 2014

Use an apostrophe when forming a contraction
We’re going to the skate park.
(We are)
Don’t forget to wear a helmet.
(Do not)
The apostrophe goes where the letters are left out.

Use an apostrophe when forming a contraction
Skate parks were first constructed in the late ‘70s.
(1970s)

Use an apostrophe when showing possession
The book’s cover is torn.
English and Social Studies are
Devin’s favorite subjects.

Use an apostrophe when showing possession
If the possessive word ends in s , do this:
Jonas’ lunch is in his backpack.
or this:
Jonas’s lunch is in his backpack.
but stay consistent

Use an apostrophe when showing possession
If the word is possessive and plural, do this:
The students’ essays are all graded and recorded.

Use an apostrophe when showing possession students’ essays mean the essays belong to multiple students.
student’s essays means the essays belong to a single student.

Use an apostrophe when showing possession
If a word is always plural and shows possesion, do this:
The women’s club meets on
Tuesday evenings.
NOT womens’ club

Do Not use an apostrophe for plural words
The pencils are three for a dollar.
NOT pencil’s

Do Not use an apostrophe for plural words
Hot dogs are available in the cafeteria on Mondays.
NOT Hot dog’s or Monday’s

EXCEPTION
Use an apostrophe for plurals of one-letter words
How many n’s are in the word banana?

It’s / Its
Use it’s for the contraction it is or it has
It’s too cold to go swimming today.
It’s been a short summer.

It’s / Its
Use its when showing possession.
The dog slept on its bed.
The orange is separated from its peel.

It’s / Its
Hint: If the sentence makes sense when you read its as it is or it has , use an apostrophe. If it doesn’t make sense, don’t use an apostrophe.

Which sentence is correct?
1. The tacos are three for a dollar.
2. The taco’s are three for a dollar.

Correct
1. The tacos are three for dollar.
2. The taco’s are three for a dollar.

Which sentence is correct?
1. Carlos’ basketball shoes are in his locker.
2. Carlos’es basketball shoes are in his locker.

Correct
1. Carlos’ basketball shoes are in his locker.
2. Carlos’es basketball shoes are in his locker.

Which sentence is correct?
1. Eric said its an easy test.
2. Eric said it’s an easy test.

Correct
1. Eric said its an easy test.
2. Eric said it’s an easy test.

Which sentence is correct?
1. They haven’t unlocked the gym yet.
2. They have’nt unlocked the gym yet.

Correct
1. They haven’t unlocked the gym yet.
2. They have’nt unlocked the gym yet.

Which sentence is correct?
1. The childrens’ books go on the bottom shelf.
2. The children’s books go on the bottom shelf.

Correct
1. The childrens’ books go on the bottom shelf.
2. The children’s books go on the bottom shelf.

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