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White desk with computer, flowers and tea with text overlay – Apostrophes – when (and when not) to use them

Writing tip

Apostrophes

You see them in ads, on signs, in professional biographies, on websites – you name it.

Sometimes they’re in the wrong spot. More often, they shouldn’t even be there. In fact, an apostrophe has just two uses.

White desk with computer, flowers and tea with text overlay – Apostrophes – when (and when not) to use them

Two reasons to use an apostrophe

1. To indicate missing letters or numbers in a contraction:

Long version

Contraction

We are

We’re
You are

You’re

Is not

Isn’t

It is

It’s

1980s

’80s

2. To show ownership or possession when used with an “s”:

  • The CEO’s whitepaper is due tomorrow.
  • The bestselling book’s publisher is assisting with my employees’ publications.

Tip: If more than one thing or person has possession, the apostrophe usually goes after the ‘s’ – see employees’ – above.

Exception: As always, there are a couple of exceptions where an apostrophe isn’t needed to show possession. Think: its and whose.

Apostrophes and numbers

Rarely should they mix. In this example, you might be tempted to add an apostrophe between the number and the ‘s’. Don’t!

  • In the 1990s, when I was in my 20s, I loved music and fashion of the ’80s.

The only time an apostrophe is required is when the number is shortened – for example, from 1980s to 80s.

Confused by which word to use? Click here to download the cheat sheet with dozens of confusing word solutions.

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