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The word came into use around 1580-90 and  is derived from the [[Greek]] ''apóstrophos'', meaning "the mark of turning away." <ref>http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/apostrophe</ref>

The word came into use around 1580-90 and  is derived from the [[Greek]] ''apóstrophos'', meaning "the mark of turning away." <ref>http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/apostrophe</ref>

Although the apostrophe is widely used within English, it is probably the least understood and most abused of all punctuation marks. There are, however, very clear, and simple, rules on its use, which if followed correctly should result in flawless use of the apostrophe.  

Although the apostrophe is widely used within English, it is probably the least understood and most abused of all punctuation marks. There are, however, very clear and simple rules on its use, which if followed correctly, should result in flawless use of the apostrophe.  

===Rule 1===

===Rule 1===

===Rule 2===

===Rule 2===

The apostrophe can be used to show indicate possession. For singular possession, the apostrophe is placed before the "s".  

The apostrophe can be used to indicate possession. For singular possession, the apostrophe is placed before the "s".  

<u>Examples:</u><br>

<u>Examples:</u><br>

the tie belonging to Mr. Smith = Mr. Smith's tie<br>

the tie belonging to Mr. Smith = Mr. Smith's tie<br>

However, when it comes to [[proper noun|proper nouns]] that end in an "s" or a "z" sound, it is preferred, although not required, to have the second "s" added in possessive form.

However, when it comes to [[proper noun]]s that end in an "s" or a "z" sound, it is preferred, although not required, to have the second "s" added in possessive form.

<u>Examples:</u><br>

<u>Examples:</u><br>

<u>Example:</u> <br>

<u>Example:</u> <br>

the gold clubs belonging to my two brothers-in-law = my brothers-in-law's golf clubs

the golf clubs belonging to my two brothers-in-law = my brothers-in-law's golf clubs

===Rule 8===

===Rule 8===

===Rule 9===

===Rule 9===

Never use an apostrophe with the possessive [[pronoun|pronouns]]: his, hers, its, theirs, ours, yours, whose, etc., as these already indicate possession and thus do not require an apostrophe.

Never use an apostrophe with the possessive [[pronoun]]s: his, hers, its, theirs, ours, yours, whose, etc., as these already indicate possession and thus do not require an apostrophe.

  

  

<u>Example:</u> <br>

<u>Example:</u> <br>

Alice learned her ABCs.<br>

Alice learned her ABCs.<br>

Dates are always written as the 2000s and not the 2000's. Likewise, the century can be dropped (and replaced with an apostrophe), but are still written as the '80s or the mid-'90s and not as the '90's or the mid-'70's

Dates are always written as the 2000s and not the 2000s. Likewise, the century can be dropped (and replaced with an apostrophe), but are still written as the '80s or the mid-'90s and not as the '90's or the mid-'70's

The exception to the rule is where the meaning would become unclear if apostrophes were not used.

The exception to the rule is where the meaning would become unclear if apostrophes were not used.

* Eats, Shoots and Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation; Truss, Lynne, 2003, Gotham Books

* Eats, Shoots and Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation; Truss, Lynne, 2003, Gotham Books

==External Links==

==External links==

* [http://www.apostropheabuse.com/ Apostrophe Abuse]

* [http://www.apostropheabuse.com/ Apostrophe Abuse]

{{Reflist}}

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[[category:Linguistics]]

[[Category:Punctuation]]