The document discusses basic rules for using apostrophes including for contractions, possession, and plural possessives. It provides examples of how to use apostrophes for singular and plural nouns, proper nouns ending in "s", and joint possession. The document also notes exceptions for nouns ending in "y" and "s" and advises being consistent and paying close attention to avoid false possessives.

1. Apostrophes
Basic Rules and Plural Possessive
Presented by Allison Monson, Lucas Huntington, and Lu Liu

2. Contractions
• Use an apostrophe where the letter or letters have been removed.
• doesn’t, wouldn’t, it’s, can’t, you’ve, etc.
• Incorrect: does’nt

3. Possession
• Use an apostrophe to show possession.
• With a singular noun, add and apostrophe and the letter s
• the man’s shirt
• the manager’s check
• Mr. Taylor’s house

4. Possession
• Many common nouns end in the letter s. So do a lot of proper nouns. There
are conflicting theories about how to show possession when using these
nouns. There isn’t a specific “right answer.” Just be consistent with what you
choose.

5. Possession
• You can add an apostrophe+s to everything.
• Jones’s
• Hastings’s
• class’s

6. Possession
• Another option is to add only an apostrophe after proper nouns, and an
apostrophe+s after common nouns.
• The boss’s truck
• Mr. Jones’ pencil
• The hippopotamus’s food
• Texas’ weather

7. Possession
• If two people own the same item, put the apostrophe+s after the second
name.
• Alex and Miranda’s home
• In cases of separate possession, use the possessive form for both.
• Alex’s and Miranda’s homes are both lovely.

8. Possession
• Be aware of nouns ending in –y; do not show possession by changing the –y
to –ies.
• Incorrect: the companies policy
• Correct: the company’s policy

9. Possession
• Be aware of false possessives, which occur with nouns ending in –s. Don’t
add apostrophes to noun-derived adjectives ending in –s. Paying close
attention will be helpful.
• Incorrect: I enjoy New Orleans’ cuisine.
• Correct: I enjoy New Orleans cuisine.

10. Plural Possessive
• Regular nouns form their plural by adding –s or –es. To show plural
possession, simply add an apostrophe after the s.
• guys’ night out
• two actress’ roles

11. Plural Possessive
• Irregular nouns become plural by changing the spelling. It’s helpful to write
the whole irregular plural noun out before adding an apostrophe or and
apostrophe+s.
• Incorrect: The teeths’ roots
• Correct: The teeth’s roots

12. Plural Possessive
• Do not use an apostrophe+s to make a regular noun plural
• Incorrect: Apostrophe’s are confusing
• Correct: Apostrophes are confusing

13. Plural Possessive
• Never use an apostrophe to make a name plural
• Incorrect: The William’s are here.
• Correct: The Williams are here.