Apostrophes
Apostrophes to show possession
- When something is owned, you put an apostrophe after the last letter of the owner:
the boy’s cap
the boys’ caps
the children’s school
the ladies’ tea parties
- If two or more people share ownership, only the last owner needs an apostrophe:
This is Bruce and Pat’s boat.
- Be careful not to use an apostrophe with possessive pronouns!
his: Curry is his favourite dish.
its: My shoe has lost its heel.
theirs: They believe the land is theirs.
More info
- The apostrophe (Purdue Online Writing Lab)