apostrophe

[US]/ə'pɒstrəfɪ/
[UK]/ə'pɑstrəfi/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

n. Punctuation mark denoting possession or indicating the omission of letters; also used in vocative expressions.
Word Forms

Phrases & Collocations

apostrophe mark

possessive apostrophe

contraction apostrophe

Example Sentences

When do I need to use an apostrophe?

Answer these questions, using the words in parentheses. Put the apostrophe in the right place.

Don't forget to use an apostrophe in 'it's'.

It's important to proofread for apostrophe errors.

I've never seen a comet with an apostrophe in its name.

Real-world Examples

And there is only one apostrophe.

Source: Max takes you to learn pronunciation.

All right, so when you add the apostrophe " s" , right?

Source: Learn American pronunciation with Hadar.

Certain pronouns already have possession built in and don't need an apostrophe.

Source: Bilingual Edition of TED-Ed Selected Speeches

The last punctuation mark we are going to talk about today is the apostrophe.

Source: Children's Learning Classroom

An apostrophe is used to show possession.

Source: VOA Slow English - Word Stories

The apostrophe -s after " America" shows possession.

Source: VOA Special November 2022 Collection

But when it's a possessive pronoun, there's no apostrophe.

Source: Grandpa and Grandma's grammar class

Do you get upset, annoyed or angry if you see punctuation being used incorrectly- particularly apostrophes?

Source: 6 Minute English

The apostrophe is placed before the 's'.

Source: World Holidays

The apostrophe 's' shows the money belongs to us.

Source: Grandpa and Grandma's grammar class

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