The Apostrophe: When and How to Use It (Grade 11 NSC Matric English FAL): Revision Notes
The Apostrophe: When and How to Use It
Introduction
The apostrophe (') is a small but powerful punctuation mark that serves two main purposes in English writing. Understanding when and how to use it correctly will help you avoid common errors in your writing and improve your language accuracy for the NSC examination.
Uses of the apostrophe
To show contraction (shortened words)
A contraction occurs when two words are combined into one shorter form. The apostrophe takes the place of the letters that have been removed from the original words. This creates contracted forms that are commonly used in informal writing and speech.
How it works:
The apostrophe marks the exact spot where letters have been left out. It helps readers understand which words have been combined, making writing sound more conversational and natural.
Common examples:
- do not → don't (the apostrophe replaces the "o" in "not")
- I will → I'll (the apostrophe replaces "wi" from "will")
- it is → it's (the apostrophe replaces the "i" in "is")
Exam tip: In formal writing tasks, it's often better to write words out in full rather than using contractions. Save contractions for dialogue or informal texts.
To show possession (belonging)
The apostrophe indicates ownership or that something belongs to someone or something. This is one of the most important uses of the apostrophe, and getting it right shows good command of English grammar.
Understanding possession:
When you want to show that something belongs to a person, place, or thing, you need to add an apostrophe. The placement of the apostrophe depends on whether the owner is singular (one) or plural (more than one).
Examples:
- Singular possession: Sam's book (The book belongs to Sam - one person)
- Plural possession: The players' uniforms (The uniforms belong to the players - multiple people)
Rules for showing possession
Rule 1: Singular nouns
Add 's to the end of singular nouns.
This works even if the noun already ends in 's': James's car
Rule 2: Plural nouns ending in 's'
Add only the apostrophe ' after the 's'.
The 's' is already there because the word is plural, so you only add the apostrophe.
Key point: Look carefully at whether the noun is singular or plural before adding the apostrophe. This will help you place it correctly.
Common apostrophe errors and corrections
Contractions vs possessive pronouns
One of the most frequent mistakes students make involves confusing contractions with possessive pronouns, particularly with the word "its/it's".
Understanding the difference:
It's (with an apostrophe):
- This is a contraction meaning it is or it has
- It's raining = It is raining
- Test: If you can replace the word with "it is" or "it has", use the apostrophe
Its (without an apostrophe):
- This is a possessive pronoun showing that something belongs to "it"
- The dog wagged its tail (the tail belongs to the dog)
- Possessive pronouns (its, hers, yours, theirs) never take an apostrophe
Memory aid: Think of "it's" as "it is" with the apostrophe showing missing letters. "Its" means "belonging to it" - no apostrophe needed.
Placement of the apostrophe in plural possession
Many students struggle with where to place the apostrophe when showing possession with plural nouns.
Worked Example: Correcting Plural Possession
Common mistake:
- ❌ Incorrect: A few second's eye contact
Correct version:
- ✅ A few seconds' eye contact
Why it's correct:
- "Seconds" is a plural noun (more than one second)
- The apostrophe comes after the 's' to show plural possession
- Rule: When the plural noun already ends in 's', add only the apostrophe after it
Fixing misused apostrophes with possessive pronouns
Another common error is adding apostrophes to possessive pronouns, which never need them.
Worked Example: Possessive Pronouns
Common mistake:
- ❌ Incorrect: Shaking it's contents into my hands
Correct version:
- ✅ Shaking its contents into my hands
Why it's correct:
- "Its" is a possessive pronoun meaning belonging to it
- Possessive pronouns do not take an apostrophe
- Remember: hers, yours, theirs, ours, and its - none of these need apostrophes
Important rule: Pronouns that show possession never use apostrophes. Only use an apostrophe with "it's" when you mean "it is" or "it has".
Exam tips
Essential Exam Strategies:
- Always check whether you need an apostrophe for contraction or possession
- Read your sentence aloud - if you can say "it is" or "it has", use "it's"
- For possession, identify if the owner is singular or plural first
- Don't add apostrophes to make words plural (e.g., "apple's" for multiple apples is wrong)
- Possessive pronouns never need apostrophes
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
- Two main uses: The apostrophe shows contraction (shortened words) or possession (belonging).
- Contractions: The apostrophe replaces missing letters (don't = do not, I'll = I will).
- Singular possession: Add 's to singular nouns (Sam's book, teacher's desk).
- Plural possession: Add only ' after the 's' for plural nouns ending in 's' (players' uniforms, teachers' lounge).
- It's vs its: "It's" = "it is" or "it has" (contraction). "Its" = belonging to it (possessive pronoun, no apostrophe).