What is apostrophe catastrophe?

What is apostrophe catastrophe?

Here’s the rule: If the “its” is possessive, there’s no apostrophe. If the “it’s” is a contraction for “it is” or “it has,” then there is an apostrophe.

What is the word for apostrophe words?

The apostrophe is used in writing contractions — that is, shortened forms of words from which one or more letters have been omitted. In standard English, this generally happens only with a small number of conventional items, mostly involving verbs.

Why do words have apostrophes?

The apostrophe is used to replace missing letters in contractions, to indicate the possessive form of certain nouns, and to form the plural of some words in very specific situations.

Is an apostrophe punctuation or grammar?

The apostrophe (‘ or ‘) is a punctuation mark, and sometimes a diacritical mark, in languages that use the Latin alphabet and some other alphabets. In English, the apostrophe is used for three basic purposes: The marking of the omission of one or more letters, e.g. the contraction of “do not” to “don’t”.

Do you need an apostrophe in its?

Its. It’s is a contraction and should be used where a sentence would normally read “it is.” the apostrophe indicates that part of a word has been removed. Its with no apostrophe, on the other hand, is the possessive word, like “his” and “her,” for nouns without gender.

What is apostrophe example?

When using a singular noun, the apostrophe is used before the s. For example: “The squirrel’s nuts were stashed in a hollow tree.” When using a plural noun, the apostrophe goes after the s. For example: “The squirrels’ nuts were hidden in several hollow trees throughout the forest.”

What is plural apostrophe?

As a general rule, we never use an apostrophe in writing plural forms. (A plural form is one that denotes more than one of something.) Do not write things like *Jones’s, *Steve’s, *Julie’s or *Eleanor Cross’s if you are merely talking about more than one person or thing with that name.

How do you use apostrophes?

An apostrophe is a small punctuation mark ( ‘ ) placed after a noun to show that the noun owns something. The apostrophe will always be placed either before or after an s at the end of the noun owner. Always the noun owner will be followed (usually immediately) by the thing it owns.

Which is correct it’s or its?

It’s is a contraction, meaning a shorter or “contracted” form of “it is” or “it has.” (Example: It’s going to rain.) Its is a possessive pronoun meaning, “belonging to it,” or a “quality of it” (Example: The carrier lost its license) or (Example: Its color is red.)

What is an apostrophe and what does it mean?

What is an Apostrophe? An apostrophe is a punctuation mark that looks like this: ’ (sort of half of a quote) According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word apostrophe comes from the Greek apostrophes, meaning “turning away” (to one in particular).

What are some examples of dropped letters with apostrophes?

When two words join together and a letter is dropped, an apostrophe is used to fill in for a dropped letter, as in the following examples: I’m a writer, I’m not a doctor. (I am) He’s the best writer here but he doesn’t talk a lot. (He is, does not) You’re going to write an essay today. (You are) They’re writing short stories this semester.

When to use the apostrophe for omissions in contracted words?

Using the apostrophe for indicating omissions in contracted words Contractions – the shortening of two words by adding them together This is a very common element of grammar, especially in spoken English. However, in formal writing it is better to use the longer version, or the original two words.

How do you add apostrophes to plural nouns?

Add only an apostrophe to plural nouns to show they are the “owners.” The Williams’ dog ate all the students’ writing assignment. Note: If the plural nouns does not end in s, add ‘s to show they are the owners. The Children’s dog ate the people’s shoes.