UWF Writing Lab Rules of Thumb for PossessivesApostrophes

UWF Writing Lab Rules of Thumb for Possessives/Apostrophes from Real Good Grammar, Too by Mamie Webb Hixon Created by April Turner 1

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Sign on meeting/conference room door of Tryon Branch Library, Pensacola, FL 5

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Writers use the apostrophe to substitute for the preposition of, by, with, or for: n a doctor’s appointment (appointment with the n n n doctor) a week’s notice (notice of one week) the children’s toys (toys for the children) Presidents’ Day (Day for [two] Presidents) the boss’s desk (desk of the boss) Sophocles’ plays (plays by Sophocles) 10

Use the apostrophe and -s or only the apostrophe in these instances: n n For singular nouns before plural nouns or other singular nouns: attorney’s fees, the book’s editor For singular nouns ending in –s: Bill Gates’s computer OR Bill Gates’ computer (unless the pronunciation is distorted: Ulysses’ computer, NOT Ulysses’s computer) For plural nouns ending in –s: the Joneses’ van, my parents’ divorce, both students’ papers, all instructors’ grades For plural nouns not ending in –s: the people’s court, women’s rights 11

Use the apostrophe and -s or only the apostrophe in these instances: n n n For indefinite pronouns: nobody’s business For joint ownership: Ted and Jane’s wedding For individual ownership: Ted’s and Jane’s wedding rings For compound singular nouns: the lieutenant governor’s staff For compound plural nouns: my brothers-inlaw’s jobs 12

Use the apostrophe and -s or only the apostrophe in these instances: n n n For words with fixed apostrophes: bachelor’s degree, bachelor’s degrees For plural of letters, numbers and symbols: 3’s and A’s For words used as words: too many wherefore’s in legalese For time periods: 1900’s OR 1900 s For plurals of initials and abbreviations: two Ph. D’s on the faculty; several TV’s or TVs For contractions: it’s (it is), who’s (who is), you’re (you are), they’re (they are) 13

Use a possessive noun or pronoun preceding a gerund: n my going to college n your coming to class n Carol’s leaving early n Betty’s being on time n your giving a report 14

Do NOT use an apostrophe n For possessive pronouns: q q q its whose yours theirs ours hers n For plurals: q q q the Joneses dictionaries bonuses 15

Let’s Practice!!! n n As a complaint clerk for the city, he handles peoples complaints and requests. n …PEOPLE’S COMPLAINTS… Mr. Davis grandmother stepped out of her grandsons 1952 Ford at the corner of Seventh Street and Peach Tree Avenue. n MR. DAVIS’ or DAVIS’S GRANDMOTHER…GRANDSON’S 1952 FORD… My three little girls favorite cartoon comes on very early Saturday morning. n …GIRLS’ FAVORITE… A sale of childrens’ and mens’ Dingo boots doesn’t happen regularly. n …CHILDREN’S AND MEN’S… 16

Let’s Practice a Little More… n n n David’s and Kevin’s classroom is on the right at the end of the hall. n DAVID AND KEVIN’S… Brent and Brian’s report cards were smudged and torn. n BRENT’S AND BRIAN’S… The three musketeer’s swords are fine, fast, and fancy. n THE THREE MUSKETEERS’ SWORDS… My sister-in-laws’ child-rearing practices leave much to be desired. n MY SISTER-IN-LAW’S CHILD-REARING… My brother keeps his bachelors degree framed in his office. n …BACHELOR’S DEGREE… 17

Almost There… n n n On my last report card, I received two As, one B, and two Cs. n …A’s…C’s. There are too many maybes in his report. n …MAYBE’S… The hospital has four M. D. s on staff today. n …M. D. ’s… Whose your favorite actor in Hollywood? n WHO’S… I am excited about you addressing the assembly. n …YOUR ADDRESSING… 18

Last Ones!!! n n Florida expects its’ students to speak and write well. n …ITS STUDENTS… Ed drove the Harrises’ home from the Joneses party. n …HARRISES…JONESES’ PARTY. 19