Apostrophes are used to indicate possession or to show the omission of letters in contractions. Here are the basic rules:
Possession
- Singular nouns: Add an apostrophe and an "s" to show possession.
- Example: "The dog's tail"
- Plural nouns ending in "s": Add only an apostrophe.
- Example: "The boys' toys"
- Plural nouns not ending in "s": Add an apostrophe and an "s."
- Example: "Men's shoes"
Contractions
- Omitted letters: Use an apostrophe to show where letters have been omitted.
- Example: "Can't" (cannot), "Don't" (do not)
Other Uses
- Plural of letters and numbers: Add an apostrophe and an "s."
- Example: "The 1990s"
- Example: "A's and B's"