Grammar Day: Apostrophe S ('s)

Grammar is a tricky subject. With all the rules and exceptions, how can a person keep track? I can't answer that, but I can help with little pieces here and there.

Today's Topic: Apostrophe S ('s)

Basic Rule: When it comes to apostrophes, a good rule to follow is that an apostrophe adds a second word. This isn't always true, but you'll be right more often than you're wrong.

For example, let's vs. lets:

let's = let uslets = allows

Since context always helps me learn...

Let's [let us] go to the beach.

She lets us swim without a lifeguard. 

Some Other Examples:

it's = it is/it was

that's = that is/that was

there's = there is/there was 

Basically...apostrophe s is not the way to make a word a plural.

Any Exceptions? When making nouns (people, places, or things) possessive, the apostrophe s doesn't create a second word.

Jane's dance bag. 

The company's contract.

I love to learn; let me know what I'm forgetting!

Have a grammatical question? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com to learn the answer--and have your question featured in an upcoming Grammar Day post! I'm here to help and encourage in any way I can.

Visit my website to learn more about me, my books, and my proofreading services, or join the Rivershore Books Writing Forum for support from fellow authors.

Still want more? Find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Twitter!