The apostrophe (‘) has two basic uses.
1. In a contraction. When we push two words together to make one word, we contract the two words by taking out some letters. An apostrophe goes into the space where the letters were removed.
can not = can’t
do not = don’t
I have = I’ve
she is = she’s
Notice that in each of these contractions, some letters have been taken out. The apostrophe replaces the missing letters.
2. In a possessive noun. A possessive noun shows ownership. When we want to show that someone owns something, we add ‘s to that person’s name.
Bob owns the dog. It is Bob’s dog.
Janet owns the house. It is Janet’s house.
I rode in David’s car.
Sam borrowed his dad’s truck.
In each of these sentences, the ‘s on the word signals ownership.
We often add s to a word when there is more than one. That is called a plural noun.
I see four dogs.
Mom grilled some steaks for dinner.
A flock of birds flew over the house.
A word with an s at the end that shows more than one does not get an apostrophe.
Only use an apostrophe when you are writing a contraction or a possessive. Do NOT use an apostrophe in a plural word ending in s.
▶Now you try it. Look at this sentence. Find two words that need an apostrophe. Im late because I took some books over to Dans house. Did you find a contraction and a possessive that need an apostrophe? Good for you!