English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (Dr Bamgbose)
APOSTROPHE (‘)
Apostrophe is one of the punctuation marks in English and it is a commonly misused mark, among second language users of the language. It performs four major functions:
- It is used to indicate the omission of a letter or letters in a word. Example: int’l
When used for this purpose, the writer must be sure that the shortened word will be recognised by readers. - It is used for contractions; the process of articulating or writing two words as one:
I am a boy.
I’m a boy. ✔️
Am a boy. ✖️ - It is used to pluralise numbers and letters:
Underline the Fs and circle the 3s. ✖️
Underline the F’s and circle the 3’s. - It is used to indicate ownership:
The boy’s bag.
Subsequent lectures will discuss the rules that guide the use of apostrophe to indicate ownership.
GAB
Well noted