English
Guidelines for Using Apostrophe

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• The apostrophe is used to show ownership, origin, authorship, or measurement.

Ownership:	We cannot locate Bill’s truck
Origin:	At the author’s suggestion, we read the preface first.
Authorship:	The president's report was refused
Measurement	In one year's time you will graduate.

• If the ownership word does end in an s sound, usually add only an apostrophe; eg., several months’ work.
• A few singular nouns that end in s are pronounced with an extra syllable when they become possessive.  To these words, add ‘s; eg., his boss’s telephone, the waitress’s tips, the actress’s makeup.
• Use no apostrophe if a noun is merely plural, not possessive; eg., All the sales staff, together with the managers and secretaries, attended the meeting.
• The writer may choose either traditional or popular style in making singular names that end in an s sound possessive.  For example, compare the following two lists:

Traditional Style	Popular Style
Ross’s bicycle Mrs. Jones’s garden Mr. Horowitz’s family	Ross’ bicycle Mrs. Jones’ garden Mr. Horowitz’ family

• The possessive form of plural names is consistent; eg., the Joneses’ garden, the Horowitzes’ family.
• Use ’s to make a noun possessive when it precedes a gerund; eg., Mr. Smith’s driving has improved.