Intermediate English Grammar for ESL Learners - Robin Torres-Gouzerh 2016
The apostrophe
23 Punctuation
An apostrophe is used in one of two ways: to form a contraction (a shortened version of two words) or to express possession. Following are some common English contractions.
cannot → can’t
do not → don’t
it is → it’s
what is → what’s
who is → who’s
In the same way that the apostrophe is used to replace letters that have been omitted, it can also be used to indicate that numbers have been omitted.
1990 → ’90
2008 → ’о8
The following examples illustrate the use of the apostrophe to express possession.
Damien’s car is really fast.
Rosie’s roses are so pretty.
The roller skates are Helen’s.
Have the employees’ paychecks come in yet?
When an apostrophe is used to indicate joint ownership, only the last word has the apostrophe.
My grandmother and grandfather’s paintings are in the attic.
Bill and Peter’s car dealership is at the next intersection.
If joint ownership is not involved, each party has an apostrophe.
Tim and Barbara’s pets (All the pets belong to both Tim and Barbara.)
Tim’s and Barbara’s pets (Tim has his pets, and Barbara has hers.)
It’s is a contraction of it is, whereas its is a possessive pronoun.
It’s the most complicated problem I’ve had to solve.
Its art collection was lost in the fire.
Exercise 23.7 For each sentence, explain why the apostrophe is used (or not used).
1. Paul’s and Janet’s painting techniques are very different.
2. The cassettes were sent overseas by a company in Florida.
3. It’s time the dog had its walk.
4. Wireless keyboards have been used since the 1990s.
5. The Doors’ second single was an instant hit.
6. Peter and Margaret’s car is navy blue.
Exercise 23.8 Insert apostrophes where needed. If no apostrophe is needed, mark it with an X.
1. The sergeants boots were always the shiniest of all.
2. She really likes that about the 80s.
3. A doctors quick intervention can save a life.
4. There are times when the UNs presence has prevented armed conflict.
5. Whos winning today?
6. Our planes took off at the same time.
7. By the 1940s, jazz was already becoming an important musical movement.
8. Natalies new bicycle is red and yellow.
9. The Cutlips cat wandered into our garage this morning.
10. Her mothers and fathers wills were drafted by the lawyer.