Roberto and Kims dogs got into a fight at the lunchladys house. One dog lost its collar. The other dog lost its leg. I had to call Franks lawyer to see what he could do. The lawyers name was Phoenix. Frank said I could visit Phoenix house, but I didnt want to drive over there. After all it was Roberto and Kims problem, not mine. Besides, Phoenix fees were outrageous. I left Bob and Kim to go watch a movie. For some reason 27 movie-goers dogs were fighting too. I called the police. They didnt believe me. They said to call someone elses phone, and that if I made one more prank call, they would take away my straight As from my 10th grade report card.

STOP APOSTROPHE ABUSE!

Source: apostropheabuse.com

WHEN TO USE AN APOSTROPHE

Remember…

Apostrophes indicate either ownership (the possessive case) or omitted letters (in a contraction).

POSSESSION!

POSSESSIVE OF A SINGULAR NOUN

+ To form the possessive of a singular noun, add an apostrophe + s:– everyone’s homework– the principal’s office– the cat’s whiskers– Joseph’s birthday– Birmingham’s history

POSSESSIVE OF A PLURAL NOUN

+ To form the possessive of a plural noun already ending in s, just add an apostrophe:– the girls’ gym– the players’ uniforms– the Joneses’ house– the volunteers’ efforts– the sophomores’ classrooms

FAMILY NAMES+ Never use an apostrophe with family

names unless it is meant to be possessive:

WRONG

RIGHT

PLURAL NOUNS THAT DO NOT END IN S

+ A few plural nouns do not end in s. To make those words possessive, add an apostrophe + s:– children’s toys– men’s restroom– women’s center

BUT… DON’T USE APOSTROPHES WITH POSSESSIVE PRONOUNS!

+ his + her+ hers + its+ their- theirs+ our- ours+ your-yours+ my-mine

CONTRACTIONS!

+ Always use an apostrophe with contraction!I cannot believe you ate that entire watermelon in less than 10 minutes.BecomesI can’t believe you ate that entire watermelon in less than 10 minutes.

She would not budge on her idea of the perfect wedding.BecomesShe wouldn’t budge on her idea of the perfect wedding.

IT’S VS. ITS

+ It’s is a contraction, a shortened version of it is or it has.

IT’S VS. ITS

+ Its is the possessive form of the pronoun it.

AND NEVER ADD AN APOSTROPHE TO MAKE A NOUN PLURAL!

+ Apple Jacks are my favorite cereal.+ She packed her bags and left town.+ I’m not sure what to do with all of the

carrots I bought on sale.

IN CONCLUSION…