The Apostrophe ( ) Has Two Main Functions

Apostrophes

The apostrophe (’) has two main functions:

1.to shorten words

2.to show ownership.

The apostrophe can shorten words for oral and written communication. Placing an apostrophe in a word will show that a letter or letters have been removed.

For example, the following words have been shortened in order to become one word:

won’t for will not
don’t for do not
shouldn’t for should not
he’s for he is.

The following words use an apostrophe to allow eachword to be written as it sounds.

G’day mate is shortened to represent the greeting Good day mate.

Jumpin’ is shortened to represent the word Jumping.

Important!
Depending on the situation, it is important to know that apostrophes can make written communication a lot more casual. However, it is advisable not to use apostrophes when communicating in a serious, professional tone. If you are writing a professional email or letter, shortening words using apostrophes can appear unprofessional.

The apostrophe can also be used to show ownership.For example, if you wanted to communicate that the new books that Jessica owns are informative. You can demonstrate that the new books belong to Jessica by saying:

Jessica’s new books are informative.

If you want to communicate that some students are relaxing in the lounge they have possession of, you could write:

The students relax in the students’ lounge.

The difference between students and students’ is:

Students demonstrates that there is more than one student.
Students’ lounge shows that the students have ownership of the lounge while they relax.

Important!

In some situations, if the word already ends in an s, then an ’s can be used to demonstrate ownership. For example:

Jess’s new books are informative.

Do not confuse its with it’s. Its shows ownership or possession. It’s is short for for it is. For example:

Its problems will become obvious in a matter of time.
It’s a matter of time before the problems become obvious.

Don’t forget that possessive pronouns (such as hers, his, theirs, ours, whose) do not need apostrophes because they are already possessive.

Jennifer is sending out a casual email to her friends to organise an afterwork drinks event for her birthday on the upcoming Friday. She has written an email but it seems too formal so she wants to give it a more casual tone as she is extending a friendly invite. Circle the words you think she can shorten by adding an apostrophe.

Hi everyone
How is everybody? What is the time again? Yes, it is time to celebrate my birthday!! You are all invited to have drinks with me at Joe’s Tavern this Friday at 7 pm. Do not forget to bring your partners and friends if you wish.
If you cannot get to the tavern at 7pm, we will be there the whole night, so come if you can. What is not to enjoy about having a good time?
Kind regards
Jennifer Perez

Now put the apostrophe in the appropriate places in these words.

cantwouldnt

werentshant

isntdidnt

dontshouldnt