In this post I'm going to explain when to use apostrophes, as a lot of my students have asked me about this.
Apostrophes can be used for possession.
If the noun is singular, the apostrophe is before the letter "s":
- David's car is blue.
- Rachel's brother is older than her.
- The school's facilities are brand new.
If the noun is plural, the apostrophe goes after the letter "s":
- The girls' room is upstairs. (There are 2 or more girls)
- My friends' flat is in the city centre. (2 of more of my friends live in the flat)
- My parents' garden is beautiful. (2 parents)
If the plural of the noun doesn't end in "s", the apostrophe goes before it:
- The children's toys are on the floor.
- The men's toilets are downstairs.
- Women's (ladies') clothes are sold here.
We also use apostrophes in contractions to show a missing letter:
- I don't like it.
- She's interested in history.
- He's been to London twice.
Remember that she's/he's can mean she/he has or she/he is, depending on the rest of the sentence. Likewise, the 'd contraction can be would or had.
Be careful with it's and its!
It's = it is. For example, it's a good idea to read the news in English to improve your vocabulary.
Its = possessive form of "it". For example, the company sources its products locally.
Any questions? Post them in the comments section below!
Apostrophes can be used for possession.
If the noun is singular, the apostrophe is before the letter "s":
- David's car is blue.
- Rachel's brother is older than her.
- The school's facilities are brand new.
If the noun is plural, the apostrophe goes after the letter "s":
- The girls' room is upstairs. (There are 2 or more girls)
- My friends' flat is in the city centre. (2 of more of my friends live in the flat)
- My parents' garden is beautiful. (2 parents)
If the plural of the noun doesn't end in "s", the apostrophe goes before it:
- The children's toys are on the floor.
- The men's toilets are downstairs.
- Women's (ladies') clothes are sold here.
We also use apostrophes in contractions to show a missing letter:
- I don't like it.
- She's interested in history.
- He's been to London twice.
Remember that she's/he's can mean she/he has or she/he is, depending on the rest of the sentence. Likewise, the 'd contraction can be would or had.
Be careful with it's and its!
It's = it is. For example, it's a good idea to read the news in English to improve your vocabulary.
Its = possessive form of "it". For example, the company sources its products locally.
Any questions? Post them in the comments section below!