CONTRACTIONS

The apostrophe is used to join two words together to make
one word.  Here are some common examples:

• do not = don't
  
• I am = I'm
  
• has not = hasn't
  

The apostrophe takes the place of the missing letter.  For
example, in "don't", the apostrophe takes the place of the
"o" that is gone from "not".

Here are some more examples of contractions:

• have not = haven't
  
• is not = isn't
  
• she is = she's
  

Contractions are very common in spoken English.  They are
used in writing to be shorter.

POSSESSION
Apostrophes are used with nouns to show possession.  Here
are the rules:
Single NounsAdd apostrophe and "s".

• The dog's bowl
  
• The boy's hat
  

Plural NounsAdd an apostrophe.

• The girls' toys
  
• The computers' screens
  

Irregular Plural NounsAdd an apostrophe and "s".

• The children's toys
  
• The women's hats
  

Nouns that end in "S"
Singular
Add an apostrophe and "s".

• Charles Dickens's novel
  

Or, add only an apostrophe.

• Charles Dickens' novel
  

Plural
Add an apostrophe

• The Davis' home
  

     (Tom and Mary Davis, 2 people)
More than 1 NounThe apostrophe goes on the last name in a group that shares
possession.

• Jon and Bob’s house
  

     (They both possess the house)