The Ambiguous Apostrophe (‘)
1.) To form the possessive case of a singular noun, add an apostrophe and an ‘s’.
Examples: Lyndsay’s computer; Jennie’s calculator
Also, if the addition of an ‘s’ produces an unpleasant sound, only add the apostrophe. Normally, this would happen when there is already a double ‘s’ sound.
Examples:
a.) For old times’ sake
b.) For goodness’ sake
c.) Chris’
2.) To form the possessive case of a singular noun, add an apostrophe after the ‘s’.
Example: Boys’ clothes. ***If the plural form of the word does not end in ‘s’, add an apostrophe and an ‘s’. Example: Boy’s wear clothes.***
3.) Use an apostrophe to show where letters have been omitted in a contraction.
Examples: Cannot = Can’t; Had not = Hadn’t; Did not = Didn’t; It is = It’s
