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The apostrophe is a small punctuation mark that sits above a letter in a word. There are two important uses for the apostrophe:
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1. To indicate belonging (the possessive) Example: These are the student’s books. Maria's assignments were overdue and she was really worried. 2. To indicate that something has been left out of a word or number (a contraction)
Words like don’t, what’s, it’s are known as contractions. Please note that contractions are not used in academic writing! |
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Apostrophe denoting possessive: whose?
Here the apostrophe shows who owns something. Ask yourself whether it is a plural or singular noun and use the apostrophe appropriately:
| Use ’s if there is only one (singular). | The student’s questions – there was one student asking questions |
| Use s’ if there are more than one (plural). | The students’ questions – there were several students asking questions |
| Use ’s after irregular plural nouns | Children’s questions – there were several children asking questions |
It’s or its?
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1. It’s is always a contraction, like don’t or isn’t.
2. Its = a possessive pronoun like yours, his, hers, theirs or ours. Example: The school and its furniture look new. |
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Copyright © Monash University (2017).
Copyright © Monash University (2017).
Apply what you have learnt in this module and click on the correct option(s) below
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The relationship between teacher’s and learner’s is very important.
Do not underestimate the apostrophe and it’s influence on the meaning of words.
People's attitudes to education have changed dramatically in recent years.
Try again
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Teachers and learners are plural nouns. They do not need an apostrophe. Suggested revision: The relationship between teachers and learners is very important. In this case its is a possessive pronoun (like yours or theirs) which does not need an apostrophe. Suggested revision: Do not underestimate the apostrophe and its influence on the meaning of words. The attitudes belong to the people, so an apostrophe is needed to show possession. |
Copyright © Monash University (2017).
Apostrophes are used in contractions (is not = isn’t). Full forms (not contractions) are usually used in formal academic writing.
Check if apostrophes are used appropriately with singular and plural nouns to show possession (Tom’s chair or all students’ assignments).
It’s means “it is” or “it has”.
“Its” is a possessive pronoun (like “hers” or “yours”).
Copyright © Monash University (2017).
Useful links on the apostrophe
Academic writing, Using English for Academic Purposes The apostrophe, Edufind Apostrophe, English Club Guide to punctuation, University of Sussex
Face-to-face support
Who can help with English at Monash? LearnHQ consultations - support from a SAS learning advisor English Connect - improving conversational English and presentation skills
Resources – grammar books
Azar, B. S. & Hagen, S.A. (2009). Understanding and using English grammar (4th ed.). USA: Pearson Longman. Borjars, K. & Burridge, K. Introducing English grammar (2nd ed.). London: Hodder Education. Foley, M. & Hall, D. (2012). MyGrammarLab (Advanced). England: Pearson. Hewings, M. (2012). Advanced grammar in use: a reference and practice book for advanced students of English (2nd ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Murphy, R. (2011). English Grammar in Use (Intermediate) (3 ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
