Apostrophe After S: Easy Rules and Examples

The humble apostrophe (‘) can be a real head-scratcher, especially when it comes to showing possession after words that already end in “s.” Are you supposed to add another “s” on top of the apostrophe? Fear not, grammar warriors! This article will unravel the mystery of the apostrophe after “S” with clear and easy-to-follow rules. We’ll break down the basics, provide helpful examples, and ensure you use apostrophes with confidence. So, let’s conquer the apostrophe and add a touch of polish to your writing!

What is an Apostrophe?

An apostrophe is that tiny punctuation mark (‘) that often pops up in writing. But don’t let its size fool you! This little mark plays a big role in making our writing clear and accurate. There are actually two main jobs an apostrophe can do:

• Showing Possession: This is the most common use of the apostrophe. We add it to nouns to show ownership of something. For example, “the cat’s meow” tells us the meow belongs to the cat.

• Contractions: An apostrophe can also act as a tiny timesaver, helping us shorten phrases by leaving out a letter or two. We replace the missing letters with the apostrophe. A common example is “don’t” which is short for “do not.”

Creative Uses of Apostrophes

Apostrophes can also be used for some creative effects:

• Dialogue: Apostrophes can show contractions in dialogue, making it sound more natural (e.g., “He can’t believe it!”).
• Informal Titles: Sometimes titles of poems and books might use apostrophes for stylistic reasons (e.g., “The Catcher in the Rye”).

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Origins of Apostrophe

The apostrophe (‘) has a fascinating history with two distinct origins: its name and its function as a punctuation mark.

The Word “Apostrophe”

The word “apostrophe” comes from the Ancient Greek word “apostrophos”, which translates to “turning away.” It derives from “apo-“ (meaning away) and “strephein” (meaning to turn). This etymology reflects its original use in rhetoric, where an apostrophe was a device for directly addressing someone who is absent or something personified.

The Punctuation Mark

The mark we know as an apostrophe started to appear in written text around the 16th century. Its use as a punctuation mark is believed to have been adopted from French, where it indicated omitted letters in contractions or abbreviations, such as “l’heure” for “la heure” (the hour). In English, this practice was mirrored for elision—omitting sounds—especially where a final “e” was dropped before a vowel sound, exemplified by “an’ hour” for “an hour.”

This practice eventually evolved; in English, the apostrophe’s use in contractions like “can’t” for “cannot” and “it’s” for “it is” became common, while French moved away from this use. By the late 16th century, the apostrophe in English also began to signify possession. This new role likely developed as a way to indicate the possessive form, simplifying the Old English possessive form, which added “es” (e.g., “the kinges fashion sense”), representing the missing “e”.

Apostrophe After “S” – The Simple Rule

Here’s the good news: apostrophes with plural nouns ending in “s” are pretty straightforward!

Apostrophe Usage: Before ‘S’ vs After ‘S’

When to Use the Apostrophe After “S”?

Most of the time, when we have a plural noun that already ends in “s” and we want to show possession, we simply add an apostrophe after the “s.” No need for an extra “s” here!

For example:

• The teachers’ instructions were clear. (Many teachers = instructions belong to them all)
• We enjoyed the weeks’ worth of vacation. (Multiple weeks = time belongs to all those weeks)
• Be careful of the cats’ claws! (Many cats = claws belong to all of them)

Exceptions

Now, there are a few exceptions to the “apostrophe after the plural s” rule. But don’t worry, they’re easy to understand too!

Singular Nouns Ending in “S”:

For singular nouns ending in “s,” the rule can vary a little depending on the style guide you’re following (like APA or Chicago). Generally, you have two options:

1. Add an apostrophe and “s”: This is the most common way, especially in American English. For example, “Charles’s hat” or “witness’s testimony.”
2. Just add an apostrophe: This is becoming more common, particularly in British English. For example, “Charles’ hat” or “witness’ testimony.”

Proper Nouns with “S”:

Proper nouns that end in “s” can be tricky. Here’s the deal:

• If the pronunciation of the name adds an extra “s” sound when showing possession, then use an apostrophe and “s.” For example, “Dickens’ novels” (because we say “Dickens-es”).
• If the pronunciation doesn’t change, then just the apostrophe is fine. For example, “Socrates’ philosophy” (we don’t say “Socrates-es”).

Tricky “S” Situations: Words Like “Plus” and Initials

There are a few other situations where “s” and apostrophes might cause a little confusion:

• Words like “plus,” “because,” and “unless” don’t need apostrophes, even though they have “s” in them.
• Initials that you want to show possession for usually just take an apostrophe (no extra “s”). For example, “the BBC’s coverage.”

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Common Mistakes to Avoid (and How to Fix Them!)

Here are some common mistakes people make with apostrophes after “s” and how to avoid them:

• Adding an extra “s” to plurals: Remember, for plural nouns that already end in “s,” you just need the apostrophe after the “s.” Don’t write “the teachers’s instructions.”
• Forgetting the apostrophe for singular nouns: If you’re showing possession with a singular noun ending in “s” (depending on style), remember the apostrophe! “Charles’ hat” is correct, not “Charles hat.”
• Confusing contractions with possessives: Don’t mix these up! “It’s” is a contraction for “it is,” while “its” shows possession (like “the cat lost its hat”).

Tips and Tricks for Remembering the Apostrophe After “S”

Here are some memory joggers to help you remember the apostrophe after “s”:

• Think about adding the “s” sound: If adding an “s” after the apostrophe makes the word sound awkward to pronounce (like “the houses’s roofs”), then you probably don’t need the extra “s.”
• Imagine the “apostrophe monster”: Picture a tiny monster who only eats the last “s” when showing possession with plurals that already have an “s.”

Polish Your Writing: Putting Apostrophes to Work

Using Apostrophes After “S” in Different Contexts

Now that you’re an apostrophe pro, let’s see how to use this knowledge in different writing situations:

• Formal Writing:
  • The university’s decision will impact many students. (Shows ownership)
  • The scientists’ research led to a breakthrough discovery. (Possession of a plural noun ending in “s”)
  • A thesis statement clearly outlines the writer’s argument. (Possession of a singular noun ending in “s”) – (Depending on style, you could also write “A thesis statement clearly outlines the writer’s arguments” without the apostrophe.)
  • The committee’s recommendations were presented to the board. (Possession of a plural noun ending in “s”)
  • This essay analyzes Keats’s poetry. (Possession of a singular noun ending in “s”) – (Depending on style, you could also write “This essay analyzes Keats’ poetry” without the apostrophe.)
• Informal Writing:
  • Let’s grab lunch at Michael’s new restaurant! (Possession with a singular noun ending in “s”)
  • We can’t wait for the holidays at Grandma’s house. (Possession with a singular noun ending in “s”)
  • Didn’t you see the girls’ amazing costumes? (Possession with a plural noun ending in “s”)
  • The baby can’t find its favorite stuffed animal. (Possession of a singular noun ending in “s”) – (This is an example where the extra “s” after the apostrophe is needed for smooth pronunciation.)
  • Hey, whose phone is this? (Contraction for “who is”)

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve conquered the apostrophe after “s.” With a little practice and these helpful tips, you’ll be using them like a champ in no time. Remember, the key is to understand the basic rule for plurals and the exceptions for singular nouns (depending on style).

So, go forth and write with confidence! The apostrophe after “s” no longer has to be a mystery.

Sources

Cambridge Dictionary (Apostrophe (‘) – Grammar – Cambridge Dictionary) and Etymonline (Etymology of apostrophe by etymonline).