Use of Apostrophe

Apostrophes

We use an apostrophe (‘) to show either possession or that there is a letter missing (e.g. the apostrophe in ‘she’s’ shows that there is a letter missing in ‘she is’)

We use apostrophes with people or animals to show possession.

• My sister’s house.
• The dog’s blanket.

For things we use ‘of’ (the front of the car, NOT the car’s front.)

The position of the apostrophe depends on whether the noun is singular or plural. look at these two examples.

• My friend’s house. This is about one friend.
• My friends’ house. This is about two or more friends who share a house.

If a plural noun does not end in ‘s’ (e.g. men, people, children) we use ‘s to show possession.

• The children’s bedroom.
• A pair of women’s sunglasses.

We also use an apostrophe in some time expressions.

• two weeks’ holiday
• ten years’ experience