The Apostrophe: When and How to Use It (Grade 12 NSC Matric English HL): Revision Notes
The Apostrophe: When and How to Use It
Understanding the apostrophe
The apostrophe (') is a vital punctuation mark that serves two main purposes in English writing. Mastering its correct usage will significantly improve your written communication and help you avoid common errors in your NSC examinations.
The apostrophe is one of the most frequently misused punctuation marks in English, but understanding its two primary functions will help you use it correctly every time.
Primary uses of the apostrophe
Showing contractions (shortened words)
When we combine two words into one shorter form, we use an apostrophe to replace the missing letters. This creates what we call contracted forms or contractions.
How it works:
- The apostrophe takes the place of the letters that have been removed
- This creates a more informal, conversational tone in writing
- Contractions are commonly used in speech and informal writing
Worked Example: Creating Contractions
Step 1: Identify the two words to combine do not → don't
Step 2: Remove the letters that will be dropped do not → do_'t (removing 'o')
Step 3: Replace missing letters with apostrophe do_'t → don't
More examples:
- I will becomes I'll (apostrophe replaces 'wi')
- it is becomes it's (apostrophe replaces 'i')
- cannot becomes can't (apostrophe replaces 'no')
Indicating possession (showing ownership)
The apostrophe also shows that something belongs to someone or something else. This is called the possessive form and indicates ownership or connection.
Understanding possession: Possession means showing a relationship where one thing belongs to or is associated with another. The apostrophe helps us express this relationship clearly in writing.
Rules for Possessive Forms:
Singular nouns (one person or thing): Always add apostrophe + s ('s)
Plural nouns ending in 's' (multiple people or things): Add only an apostrophe (') after the existing 's'
Worked Example: Applying Possessive Rules
For singular nouns:
- Sam's book (the book belongs to Sam)
- Mpho's commitment (the commitment belongs to Mpho)
For plural nouns ending in 's':
- The players' uniforms (the uniforms belong to the players)
- The teachers' lounge (the lounge belongs to the teachers)
Common apostrophe errors and corrections
Distinguishing contractions from possessive pronouns
One of the most frequent apostrophe mistakes involves confusing contractions with possessive pronouns, particularly with the words "it's" and "its".
Critical Distinction:
- 'It's' (with apostrophe) is a contraction meaning 'it is' or 'it has'
- 'Its' (without apostrophe) is a possessive pronoun showing ownership
Memory tip: If you can substitute "it is" or "it has" in your sentence, use "it's". If you're showing possession, use "its" without an apostrophe.
Worked Example: It's vs Its
Testing the contraction:
- It's raining → It is raining ✓ (use "it's")
- It's been a long day → It has been a long day ✓ (use "it's")
Testing possession:
- The dog wagged its tail → Cannot substitute "it is/has" (use "its")
- The company lost its reputation → Cannot substitute "it is/has" (use "its")
Correct placement in plural possession
Many students struggle with where to place the apostrophe when dealing with plural words that already end in 's'.
The rule is simple: If the plural noun already ends in 's', place the apostrophe after the 's'
Incorrect: A few second's eye contact
Correct: A few seconds' eye contact
Why this works: Since 'seconds' is already plural (ending in 's'), we only add the apostrophe to show possession.
Avoiding misused apostrophes
A common error is adding apostrophes to possessive pronouns that don't need them.
Essential Rule: Possessive pronouns never take apostrophes.
Incorrect: Shaking it's contents into my hands
Correct: Shaking its contents into my hands
Key possessive pronouns that never use apostrophes:
- its, his, hers, ours, yours, theirs, whose
Exam tips for apostrophe usage
Strategic Approaches for Examinations:
- Read sentences aloud: If you can substitute "it is" or "it has", use "it's"
- Identify the owner: Ask "who does this belong to?" to determine possessive forms
- Check plural words: If the word already ends in 's' and is plural, just add an apostrophe
- Remember possessive pronouns: These never need apostrophes (its, his, hers, etc.)
Summary
Key Points to Remember:
- Contractions: Apostrophes replace missing letters in shortened words (don't, I'll, it's)
- Possession: Apostrophes show ownership - add 's for singular nouns, just ' for plural nouns ending in 's'
- It's vs its: "It's" means "it is" or "it has"; "its" shows possession without an apostrophe
- Possessive pronouns: Words like its, his, hers never take apostrophes
- Plural possession: Place the apostrophe after the 's' when the plural word already ends in 's'