Page 127 - Planning Group Induction Pack_Neat

Example:
The television was introduced in the 1950s.
The Fat Man by Fats Domino was 1951’s top-selling song.

Its and it’s:
Use an apostrophe when you mean ‘it is’.

Example:
It’s well known in DELWP that cats are a threat to native wildlife. (‘It is’)

Don’t use an apostrophe when you are using its as a pronoun demonstrating possession or ownership.

Example:
When the Department began revising the Local Government Act, its first task was to hold wide range
consultation.

Possessive apostrophes:
Use an apostrophe to demonstrate ownership or possession unless you are using ‘its’ as a possessive
pronoun.
Generally, the possessive of a singular noun is formed by adding an apostrophe and s, whether the singular
noun ends in s or not.

Example:
The Minister has accepted the report’s recommendations.

The possessive of a plural noun is formed by adding only an apostrophe when the noun ends in s, and by
adding both an apostrophe and s when it ends in a letter other than s.

Example:

The children’s toys were stored in the cupboard.
All of the departments’ secretaries were present at the meeting.
When a person’s name ends in s, add an apostrophe and an s to demonstrate possession.

Example:
Mr Jones’s report was tabled last week.

When a place or a name consists of more than one word and the final word is in plural form and ends in s,
use only an apostrophe to indicate ownership.

Example:
The United States’ position on the matter will be discussed on tonight’s program.

Writing with style 7
Our guide to better writing and reaching your readers