The apostrophe may be small, but it carries a lot of responsibility. Whether it’s showing ownership or replacing missing letters in contractions, using it correctly makes your writing clearer and more professional.
Still, apostrophes are often misused, especially when it comes to confusing words like its vs. it’s or deciding whether a plural needs one. One mark in the wrong place can completely change the meaning of a sentence.
Apostrophes for Possession
When something belongs to someone or something, we often use an apostrophe to show possession. The rules vary depending on whether the noun is singular or plural, and how it ends.
Singular Nouns: Add ’s
For most singular nouns, simply add ’s to show ownership.
Examples:
- The dog’s collar was too loose.
- Maria’s notebook is on the desk.
Plural Nouns Ending in -s: Add Only an Apostrophe
If the noun is plural and already ends in s, just add an apostrophe after the s.
Examples:
- The teachers’ lounge is newly renovated.
- Both cats’ bowls were empty.
Plural Nouns Not Ending in -s: Add ’s
Some irregular plural nouns don’t end in s, so you still add ’s.
Examples:
- The children’s voices echoed in the hall.
- The men’s coats are on the rack.
Proper Nouns Ending in -s: Style-Dependent
With names like James or Lois, both styles—James’s and James’—are correct. It depends on your style guide or personal preference.
Examples:
- James’s guitar (Chicago style)
- James’ guitar (AP style)
Compound and Joint Possession
- For joint ownership, add an apostrophe only to the second name:
Example: Tim and Rachel’s apartment - For individual ownership, add an apostrophe to each:
Example: Tim’s and Rachel’s laptops
Possession rules are mostly consistent once you know what type of noun you’re dealing with.
Apostrophes for Contractions
Apostrophes are also used to show that letters have been left out, usually when two words are combined to form a contraction. This is different from possession, though the apostrophe looks the same.
Common Contractions
A contraction shortens two words into one, and the apostrophe replaces the missing letters.
Examples:
- don’t = do not
- it’s = it is
- they’re = they are
- I’ve = I have
- couldn’t = could not
Contractions are often used in informal writing, dialogue, and everyday communication. They help make writing sound more natural and conversational.
Clarity Tip: Expand the Contraction
If you’re unsure whether you’re using a contraction correctly, try expanding it.
Example:
✔ It’s raining. → It is raining. (Correct)
❌ The dog lost it’s collar. → The dog lost it is collar. (Incorrect)
If the expanded form doesn’t make sense, the apostrophe may not belong there.
Its vs. It’s: A Common Confusion
One of the most frequent apostrophe mistakes in English comes from mixing up its and it’s—but the difference is simple once you break it down.
It’s = It Is or It Has
This is a contraction, and the apostrophe replaces a missing letter.
Examples:
- It’s almost time to leave. (It is)
- It’s been a long day. (It has)
Its = Possessive Pronoun
Even though it shows ownership, its doesn’t use an apostrophe, just like his, hers, and theirs.
Examples:
- The robot lost its balance.
- Every tree has its own pattern of growth.
How to Check
Try expanding it’s to it is or it has.
If it doesn’t work, then the correct form is its (no apostrophe).
Avoiding Apostrophes in Plurals
Apostrophes are often mistakenly added to words that are simply plural. But plurals don’t need apostrophes—unless there’s a rare exception.
Regular Plurals: No Apostrophe
When making a noun plural, just add -s or -es—no apostrophe needed.
Examples:
- Bananas
- Books
- Videos
- 1990s (not 1990’s)
Incorrect:
I have two cat’s.
Correct:
I have two cats.
Plurals with Lowercase Letters: Apostrophe Accepted
An apostrophe is acceptable when writing the plural of a single lowercase letter to avoid confusion.
Examples:
- Mind your p’s and q’s.
- She got all A’s on her report card. (Some style guides now omit the apostrophe for capital letters.)
Plural Abbreviations and Numbers: Style Matters
For abbreviations and numbers, apostrophes are often not needed—but some style guides allow them.
Examples:
- DVDs (preferred)
- DVD’s (older or stylistic)
- 1990s (not 1990’s)
The general rule: no apostrophe for plurals, unless clarity would suffer.
Shared vs. Separate Possession
When two or more people own something, the placement of the apostrophe depends on whether the ownership is shared or separate.
Shared Possession: Add Apostrophe to the Second Name Only
If two people jointly own one thing, add an apostrophe only to the last name.
Example:
- Emily and Josh’s apartment is near the lake. (They share one apartment.)
Separate Possession: Apostrophes on Both Names
If each person owns their own item, add ’s to each name.
Example:
- Emily’s and Josh’s phones were both on silent. (Each has their own phone.)
This rule helps clarify ownership in writing, and prevents confusion between joint and individual possession.
Exceptions and Style Choices
While apostrophe rules are mostly consistent, there are some exceptions—especially in names, locations, and branding. Style guides may also influence how apostrophes are used.
Brand Names That Skip Apostrophes
Some companies and stores intentionally omit apostrophes in their names, even when possession is implied.
Examples:
- Harrods (not Harrod’s)
- Starbucks (not Starbuck’s)
- Barclays (not Barclay’s)
These are branding decisions, not grammar mistakes—but it’s helpful to know the difference when writing or editing.
Place Names and Official Style
Certain geographic names drop apostrophes by convention. The U.S. Board on Geographic Names avoids apostrophes in place names.
Examples:
- Pikes Peak (not Pike’s Peak)
- Harpers Ferry (not Harper’s Ferry)
This is a government policy, not a grammar rule.
Fixed Expressions with Possessive Form
Some common phrases retain older forms of possession, even when the literal ownership is unclear.
Examples:
- For goodness’ sake
- At arm’s length
- At death’s door
These idiomatic uses are considered correct and widely accepted in formal writing.
Tips for Clear Apostrophe Use
Apostrophes may be small, but they can quickly impact clarity. These quick checks can help you decide when and how to use them:
- Ask yourself: Am I showing possession or forming a contraction?
- Expand contractions: If you can’t replace the apostrophe with a word like is or has, it’s probably not a contraction.
- Don’t use apostrophes for plurals: Most plural forms don’t need them, especially regular nouns, years, and abbreviations.
- Stay consistent with style: If you’re following a specific guide (AP, Chicago, etc.), keep your apostrophe usage aligned throughout.
- When in doubt, test the meaning: Read the sentence aloud or try the expanded version to double-check clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between its and it’s?
It’s is a contraction of it is or it has. Its is a possessive pronoun meaning “belonging to it.”
Tip: Try expanding “it’s” to “it is”—if it doesn’t make sense, use its.
Do all plural nouns need apostrophes?
No. Most plural nouns do not require apostrophes. For example, write dogs, trees, and books—not dog’s, tree’s, or book’s. Apostrophes are only used for showing possession or contractions.
Is “James’s” correct or should it be “James’”?
Both are acceptable. James’s is preferred in styles like the Chicago Manual of Style. James’ is accepted in AP style. Be consistent with the style guide you’re following.
When do I use an apostrophe in a name that ends in s?
Add ’s for singular possession (Chris’s laptop), or just ’ if your style guide prefers it (Chris’ laptop). For plural names ending in s, add only the apostrophe (the Joneses’ car).
Can apostrophes be used in year ranges or abbreviations?
Usually not. Write 1990s and DVDs—no apostrophes needed. Use apostrophes only when needed for clarity, such as with lowercase letters (mind your p’s and q’s).