APOSTROPHES        

To show a noun is possessive:

1. Carolyn’s schedule is busy this semester.
2. I wanted to sign up for Dr. Hickman’s postcolonial literature course.
3. Do you know what color Mike’s car is?
4. The book’s cover is green.
5. The fitness center’s hours are extended during final exams.

 As you can see, you add an 's after a noun to show possession. The rule is a bit different, however, if the noun ends in "s". 

The chef’s kitchen is spotless.

The chefs’ kitchens are spotless. (more than one chef)

If the noun is plural, as in this example, just add an apostrophe after the "s." 

If the  noun is singular and ends in "s," add an 's after the "s."

            Lois's grandmother is going to pick her up at 7:00.

To show a contraction:

It's too bad John refused to study for the test.

(Students often mix up "its" (possessive, no apostrophe) and 
"it's" (which always is a contraction for "it is"), so watch for 
this distinction)

We'll never forget the friends we made in high school.

Apostrophes with plurals:

Apostrophes are used to pluralize lower case letters, letters mentioned as letters, numbers mentioned as numbers, and abbreviations with periods.

Bleachers for students are marked with red X's.
Students need their I.D.'s to get food in Ames Dining Hall.

APOSTROPHES EXERCISE

Read through the following sentences and correct the apostrophes. Mark the sentence "C" if the apostrophe is correct.

1. The researchers’ discovery has allowed for new advances in AIDS research.

2. It is becoming possible to mix various animal’s genes.

3. Will a lower fat diet affect peoples’ overall health?

 4. A ten minute’s delay between classes allows you to get from one class to another.

 5. I plan to improve last semesters’ GPA by at least a letter grade!

 6. The children’s room was filled with toys.

 7. Peter didnt want to live in the men’s dorms for more than one year.

8. Everyone’s essays were due on Friday.

 9. My sisters’ boyfriend is housesitting at somebody’s mansion during September.

10. My parent’s farm is located in Breeze.

11. This years’ distinguished speaker series is excellent.

12. Its going to be hard to work more than 20 hours this semester given the amount of homework I have.

GET THE ANSWERS TO THE APOSTROPHES EXERCISE!