This document provides guidance on using apostrophes correctly. It begins by stating that apostrophes are an important punctuation mark, as they indicate possession and contractions. It then covers the basic rules of using apostrophes to replace missing letters or show possession. Common mistakes like using apostrophes for plurals are discussed. Examples of correct apostrophe use are provided.

1. When to use an Apostrophe

2. Overview
In this mini-lesson we will:
• Cover the basic rules of apostrophe use
• Learn what the most
common mistakes are and
how to avoid them

3. What do you think?
Apostrophe errors are not a big problem; the
apostrophe is not an important punctuation
mark.
AGREE OR DISAGREE?

4. Apostrophes are Important!
• Apostrophes enrich the English language.
• Apostrophes tell the reader who owns what, singular
or plural, if a word has been contracted and so on.

5. • Use apostrophes correctly to communicate
clearly.
• Apostrophe misuse creates a negative view of
your writing.

6. Use Apostrophes to:
1. Replace missing letters.
(Cannot turned into can’t)
2. Demonstrate possession.
(Mary’s car)

7. Plurals
Don’t add an apostrophe
to make a plural word.
When you are about to
use an apostrophe; stop
and ask yourself if the
word is plural.
If it is then DON’T add the
apostrophe.

8. Apostrophes for Abbreviation
When letters are missing
from a word, use an
apostrophe.
*There’s (there is) a lot of
rain today.
*I wouldn’t (would not) go
outside.

9. Can you identify the incorrect use of
the apostrophe in this picture?

10. Apostrophes for Ownership
Use an apostrophe to show
ownership.
*Mary’s hat
*Michael’s book
If there are multiple owners then the
apostrophe goes after the ‘s’
*The dogs’ bowls
*The boys’ books
Chang’s tricycle

11. Its and It’s
The ownership rule DOES NOT apply to
the word IT.
*The dog chewed its bone.
Use IT’S to show the abbreviation of “it
is” or “it has”.
*It’s (it is) a lovely day
*It’s (it has) been raining all
day
Oops! Can you spot the spelling and
apostrophe errors in this picture?

12. Apostrophe Errors
1. Has the apostrophe been used
correctly here?
2. What’s wrong with this picture?

13. Why is this incorrect?

14. Most Common Mistakes
Dont
Im
Thats
•Should be: Don’t
•I’m
•That’s

15. Doesnt •Doesn’t
Wasnt •Wasn’t
Isnt
•Isn’t

16. Couldnt
•Couldn’t
Wouldnt •Wouldn’t
Havent
•Haven’t

17. Random Apostrophe
Use is Rampant!
“Dog’s everywhere love chewing bones”
Does everywhere belong to dogs? No, so drop
the apostrophe.
“The dogs ate all the bone’s.”
Bones is plural so drop the apostrophe.
Think before you add an apostrophe!

18. Practice
Can you spot
the
mistakes?
Ludovico marveled at the many balloon basket’s he saw.
Some had covered section’s, others had small rooms’. The
best model’s had hardwood floors, while other’s had the
finest quality marble.
Barrington pointed out the smaller, strictly utilitarian
baskets, used to carry the merchant’s who travelled
skyward to buy and sell, the servant’s and other poor
unfortunates who by necessity had to remain earth
bound but whose existence relied upon providing good’s
and services to the sky-dwellers. Ludovicos adventurous
heart longed for one of these contraptions.

19. In this session we have:
• Reviewed the fundamental rules of
apostrophe use
• Learned how to identify and correct
apostrophe misuses.
• Polished our grammar skills to become better
communicators.