ctivnan
01/11/08, 10:21 AM
Apostrophe (')
The English language first picked up the apostrophe in the 16th century. The word in Greek means "turning away," and hence, "omission" and "elision."
Tasks of an Apostrophe
1. It indicates the POSSESSIVE in a SINGULAR noun.
e.g.
Jack's coat is on fire!
The door's knob is red. (only one door)
2. It indicates the POSSESSIVE in a PLURAL form, BUT:
a. When the possessor is plural and does not end in an -s, the apostrophe similarly precedes the -s.
e.g. The policemen's desks are cluttered.
b. When the possessor is a regular plural, the apostrophe follows the -s.
e.g. The cats' food was left unattended. (more than one cat)
The doors' knobs are fabulous! (more than one door)
3. It indicates TIME or QUANTITY
e.g.
In a month's time, the porch will be ready.
John was given two weeks' notice .
4. It indicates the OMISSION of FIGURES in dates.
e.g. I was born in Winter '77.
5. It indicates the OMISSION of LETTERS
e.g.
I'll see you at nine o'clock. (I will); (nine of the clock)
I miss the good-ol'-days! (good old days)
I s'ppose it's time to leave. (suppose); (it is)
I haven't got a clue! (have not)
Source: Truss, L. (2006). Eat, shoots & leaves. New York: Gotham Books
The English language first picked up the apostrophe in the 16th century. The word in Greek means "turning away," and hence, "omission" and "elision."
Tasks of an Apostrophe
1. It indicates the POSSESSIVE in a SINGULAR noun.
e.g.
Jack's coat is on fire!
The door's knob is red. (only one door)
2. It indicates the POSSESSIVE in a PLURAL form, BUT:
a. When the possessor is plural and does not end in an -s, the apostrophe similarly precedes the -s.
e.g. The policemen's desks are cluttered.
b. When the possessor is a regular plural, the apostrophe follows the -s.
e.g. The cats' food was left unattended. (more than one cat)
The doors' knobs are fabulous! (more than one door)
3. It indicates TIME or QUANTITY
e.g.
In a month's time, the porch will be ready.
John was given two weeks' notice .
4. It indicates the OMISSION of FIGURES in dates.
e.g. I was born in Winter '77.
5. It indicates the OMISSION of LETTERS
e.g.
I'll see you at nine o'clock. (I will); (nine of the clock)
I miss the good-ol'-days! (good old days)
I s'ppose it's time to leave. (suppose); (it is)
I haven't got a clue! (have not)
Source: Truss, L. (2006). Eat, shoots & leaves. New York: Gotham Books