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APOSTROPHE WITH “S” APOSTROPHES AND PLURAL NOUNS
An apostrophe and the letter “s” are added to the This form is correct in English,
end of a singular noun to show that what comes but it is not normally used. To show belonging with
after the noun belongs to it. a plural noun that ends
in “-s,” just an apostrophe
with no “s” is added.
Plural nouns that end with “-s” use
an apostrophe with no extra “s.”

To show belonging with
a plural noun that doesn’t
end in “-s,” an apostrophe
This is a common way of An apostrophe with an and an “s” are added. This is formed in the same way as singular
talking about belonging. “s” shows ownership. nouns, with an apostrophe and “s.”

FURTHER EXAMPLES FURTHER EXAMPLES

The “s” after the apostrophe is optional If something belongs to more than one
when the noun already ends in an “-s.” noun, “-’s” is only added to the last one.

C O M M O N M I S T A K E S AP O S TR O P H E
COMMON MISTAKES APOSTROPHESS
Apostrophes are often It is important not to confuse “its”
incorrectly added before with “it’s.” “Its” is a third person
the “s” when talking singular possessive determiner, and
about years or decades. never has an apostrophe. “It’s” is only
ever a contraction of “it is.” This is a possessive so
needs no apostrophe.

This is neither possessive nor a contraction, This is a contraction of “it is,” so should
so there is no need for an apostrophe. have an apostrophe before the “s.”

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