Correctly Using Apostrophes

Use an apostrophe in a contraction to indicate that one or more letters have been eliminated. But try to avoid using contractions altogether on the GRE: using the full form of a verb is more appropriate in formal writing.

• CONTRACTED: We’d intended to address the question of equal rights, but it’s too late to begin the discussion now.
• FULL FORM: We had intended to address the question of equal rights, but it is too late to begin the discussion now.

One of the most common errors involving the apostrophe is using it in the contraction you’re or it’s to indicate the possessive form of you or it. When you write you’re, ask yourself whether you mean you are. If not, the correct word is your. Similarly, are you sure you mean it is? If not, use the possessive form its.

• INCORRECT: You’re chest of drawers is ugly.
• CORRECT: Your chest of drawers is ugly.

• INCORRECT: The dog hurt it’s paw.
• CORRECT: The dog hurt its paw.

Use the apostrophe to indicate the possessive form of a noun.

NOUN	POSSESSIVE
the boy	the boy’s
Harry	Harry’s
the children	the children’s
the boys	the boys’
the bass	the bass’s

NOTE: Possessive forms can sometimes look like contractions. The word boy’s, for example, could have one of three meanings:

• The boy’s an expert at chess. (contraction: the boy is …)
• The boy’s left for the day. (contraction: the boy has …)
• The boy’s face was covered with pie. (possessive: the face of the boy)

The word boys’ can have only one meaning: a plural possessive (the of the boys).

• CORRECT: Ms. Fox’s office is on the first floor. (One person possesses the office.)
• CORRECT: The Foxes’ apartment has a wonderful view. (There are several people named Fox living in the same apartment. First you must form the plural; then add the apostrophe to indicate possession.)

Possessive pronouns do not use an apostrophe (with the exception of the neutral one, which forms its possessive by adding ’s).

• INCORRECT: The tiny cabin had been our’s for many years.
• CORRECT: The tiny cabin had been ours for many years.

Using Apostrophes Practice Set

Read the sentences below and revise for appropriate apostrophe use.

1. People should be allowed to keep their money and use it for the thing’s they want.

2. The young men were students at the Boy’s Latin School.