November 2005
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"If you think that something small cannot make a difference, —Anonymous |
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The Power of Punctuation, Part III |
Using Apostrophes in Possessives and PluralsYes, apostrophes are little, but their misuse can destroy your credibility as a writer. Their omission is glaring, their misplacement an embarrassment. Learn to use apostrophes correctly to maintain your scholarly dignity. |
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APOSTROPHES TO SHOW POSSESSION Perhaps the greatest confusion with apostrophes comes when forming possessives. Singular PossessivesUsually singular possessives are made by adding an apostrophe and s. last quarter's sales one of Mars's moons When a singular noun has more than one syllable and ends with an s or z sound, you may use either an apostrophe and s or just an apostrophe. Either way is acceptable. Kansas' economy or Kansas's economy Plural PossessivesPlural nouns ending in s or es are made possessive by adding just an apostrophe. many clients' needs several classes' examinations If a plural noun does not end in s or es, add both the apostrophe and the s. the men's department some children's clothing Joint PossessionWhen several people (or things) own one thing, show possession by adding an apostrophe and s to the last noun in the series. Willa, Bob, and Joel's project Conversely, if each person in a series owns his or her own thing, add the apostrophe and s to each noun. Willa's, Bob's, and Joel's projects Compound NounsIf the possessive noun is made of two or more parts, add the apostrophe and s to the final word whether the compound noun is singular or plural. the attorney-at-law's office the attorneys-at-law's offices |
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APOSTROPHES TO FORM CERTAIN PLURALS This is a very common misuse of apostrophes. The only time you should use an apostrophe to form a plural is when the noun is a letter, an abbreviation, a number, or a word discussed as a word. There are three n's in that word. Other than the above exceptions, do not use an apostrophe to make a plural. There's no trick to apostrophes. Just remember to proofread your writing, and if you are not sure about where to place an apostrophe, check the rules. |
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The preceding tips are from |
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