Writing 101
â 4 min read
A guide to apostrophe rules

Sometimes, grammar can be confusing. Case in point: figuring out how and when to use an apostrophe.
Apostrophes can signal possessives or contractions. With these two very different use cases, itâs easy to see all of the common mistakes that both adults and children make in using them. Thatâs why weâve made this guide as a quick reference to help you out.
In this guide, we explain when you should use an apostrophe, the different types of apostrophes, and how to use them correctly.
When should you use an apostrophe?Â
An apostrophe is typically used to show possession or to form a contraction. Apostrophes can be used to form plurals and can also be used as part of a holiday or date â for instance, April Foolsâ Day or the â70s. Many rules go with apostrophe use and multiple ways that they can be used.
Here are some of the most common instances when you should use an apostrophe.
What are the different types of apostrophes?Â
The use of apostrophes can be grouped into three different types:
- Apostrophes used to show the omission of letters or numbers
In contractions where one or more letters or numbers are taken out, an apostrophe can be inserted. For example, âshe couldnât go outside.â
- Apostrophes used to indicate possession
Apostrophes can be used to show possession, such as joint possession. They can be used with possessive nouns. For example, âthe studentâs book.â
- Apostrophes used to form plurals (numbers, abbreviations, and symbols)
Apostrophes arenât typically used to create a plural. However, there are exceptions for forming plurals of numbers, abbreviations, and symbols. For instance, âthere are two 7âs in her number.â
When to not use an apostropheÂ
Keep in mind that just as there are rules for instances to use apostrophes, there are also instances where you should not use an apostrophe.Â
For example, you shouldnât use an apostrophe for possessive pronouns.
The following possessive pronouns should not include an apostrophe: her, his, its, my, ours, and yours. Its can be a tricky one to remember if it needs an apostrophe or not. Itâs with an apostrophe indicates a contraction â combining the words âitâ and âisâ. However, used as a possessive pronoun, its doesnât need an apostrophe. For example, âThe bike was in its place in the garage.â
Examples of using the apostropheÂ
As mentioned above, apostrophes follow certain rules. Here are the rules for apostrophes and some examples of the correct and incorrect uses of an apostrophe for each.
RULE 1: Use an apostrophe for contractions. The apostrophe in a contraction is placed where letters have been removed from the word. Contractions can make your writing sound more conversational.Â
Example 1
Example 2
Note that contractions should not be used in formal writing. Spell out the words instead of omitting letters and adding an apostrophe. In this next example, though the apostrophe is in the correct place, the writing is a formal piece and should not use contractions.
Example 3
RULE 2: Use an apostrophe to indicate possession.
For a singular noun, simply add the apostrophe before the letter s.Â
Example 4
If a noun ends in an s already, then the typical practice for common nouns is to place the apostrophe after the s and another s at the end. However, proper nouns do not include an extra s after the apostrophe.
Example 5
Example 6
When you need to show possession of plurals that donât end in s, you would simply add an apostrophe and an s following the apostrophe. Hereâs how.
Example 7
However, when you have a plural that ends in an s, you donât add an s after the apostrophe.
Example 8
Example 9
When something belongs to more than one person, you should only add the apostrophe to the final name, no matter how many names are listed.
Example 10
If there are separate objects involved that belong to different people in the list, then you can add an apostrophe for each.
Example 11
RULE 3: Use an apostrophe to form specific plurals such as numbers, abbreviations, and symbols.
For double-digit numbers, the apostrophe isnât necessary. For single digits, both with or without an apostrophe are accepted.
Example 12
Example 13
The best way to improve your grammar skills is to practice, and to use Writer for helpful suggestions. Start a free trial today. Keep writing, and youâll start to get the hang of when to use apostrophes and when to leave them out.