Understanding Apostrophes
1. What Apostrophes Do
Apostrophes have two main functions in AP Style:
- Show possession
- Form plurals of single letters
They do not make regular nouns plural, and they should never be used for decoration.
2. Apostrophes for Possessives
Possessives show ownership or a close relationship.
AP Style has clear rules depending on whether the noun is singular, plural, or ends in s.
A. Singular Nouns → Add ’s
Even if the word ends in s, AP Style adds ’s for singular nouns.
Examples
- the player’s contract
- the boss’s decision
- the class’s schedule
- the actress’s role
AP Style differs from some other guides — it always prefers clarity.
B. Plural Nouns Ending in s → Add Only an Apostrophe
If the noun is plural and already ends in s, just add ’.
Examples
- the players’ locker room
- the coaches’ meeting
- the teams’ budgets
This shows multiple people owning something.
C. Plural Nouns Not Ending in s → Add ’s
If the plural form does not end in s, add ’s.
Examples
- the children’s toys
- the men’s team
- the women’s locker room
- the people’s choice
D. Joint Possession (Shared Ownership)
When two people share ownership, add one apostrophe at the end of the second name.
Example
Dusty and Sarah’s project
- (They share one project.)
E. Separate Possession (Individual Ownership)
When each person owns something separately, each name gets ’s.
Example
Dusty’s and Sarah’s laptops
- (Each has their own laptop.)
3. Apostrophes for Plurals of Single Letters
AP Style uses apostrophes to form plurals of single letters to avoid confusion.
Examples
- Mind your p’s and q’s.
- She got straight A’s.
- The logo uses two M’s.
Without the apostrophe, the plural could look like a different word.
Important
This rule applies only to single letters — not words, not acronyms, not numbers.
4. What NOT to Use Apostrophes For
Not for Regular Plurals
Incorrect:
The player’s celebrated.
Correct:
The players celebrated.
Not for Plurals of Acronyms
Incorrect:
The NFL’s are expanding.
Correct:
The NFLs are expanding.
Not for Plurals of Decades
Incorrect:
The 1990’s were iconic.
Correct:
The 1990s were iconic.
Not for Verbs
Incorrect:
She score’s 20 points.
Correct:
She scores 20 points.
5. Apostrophes in Contractions
Apostrophes replace missing letters.
Examples
- don’t (do not)
- can’t (cannot)
- it’s (it is)
- you’re (you are)
Important
Its = possessive
It’s = it is
This is one of the most common errors in digital writing.
6. Apostrophes with Time and Amounts
Possessive Meaning
- a day’s work
- two weeks’ notice
- a dollar’s worth
If the phrase implies ownership → use an apostrophe.
7. Common Apostrophe Mistakes Writers Must Avoid
A. Confusing Its vs. It’s
Incorrect:
Its a great movie.
Correct:
It’s a great movie.
B. Using Apostrophes for Regular Plurals
Incorrect:
The menu has taco’s.
Correct:
The menu has tacos.
C. Forgetting Apostrophes in Single-Letter Plurals
Incorrect:
She got straight As.
Correct:
She got straight A’s.
D. Misusing Apostrophes with Names
Incorrect:
The Jones’s house
Correct:
The Joneses’ house
8. Examples in Real Article Writing
Possessive
- The coach’s strategy worked.
Plural Possessive
- The players’ reactions were mixed.
Single-Letter Plural
- The logo uses two S’s.
Contraction
- It’s the team’s best season yet.
9. Final Takeaway for Total Apex Writers
Apostrophes are essential for clarity and professionalism.
AP Style Essentials
- Use ’s for singular possessives
- Use ’ for plural nouns ending in s
- Use ’s for plural nouns not ending in s
- Use apostrophes for single-letter plurals (A’s, B’s)
- Never use apostrophes for regular plurals
- Watch out for its vs. it’s
Mastering apostrophes helps contributors produce clean, polished, high‑performing content across every Total Apex vertical — from news to gaming to sports to lifestyle.