how fiction writers can use semicolons to improve sentence flow

When to Use an Apostrophe

Have you ever read a sentence and wondered, Oh, do I have to use an apostrophe here? You are definitely not the only one. Apostrophes are a fragment to many—even to seasoned writers. Words such as its and it’s are easily confused or apostrophes are inserted where they do not belong, while writing. Yet, the best thing is that it is quite easy when one gets to know the simple rules.

Important Note: A minor apostrophe error can alter your meaning or your writing can seem messy.

In this article, you will know when to use apostrophes in a simple, easy-to-understand manner. No complex grammar, only simple explanations with examples that you can immediately apply, particularly when you are writing fiction, and you want your sentences to flow and sound natural.

If you are confused about using a semicolon(;) in your writing, check out How to Use a Semicolon in Writing

What does it mean?

An apostrophe ( ’ ) is a punctuation mark and it performs two important functions.

It shows ownership
It assists in the creation of contractions (reduced words).

Examples:

If used like this Raj’s, means something belongs to Raj
Using don’t is short form of do not

Just imagine it this way, when something is part of someone, or when words are abbreviated, then you are likely to need an apostrophe.

Is it right or wrong?

Only in certain cases apostrophes are right.

Raj’s book here it shows ownership of Raj.

Apostrophes are never used to make words plural like apple’s.

When should you NOT use it?

These are the most common errors that writers commit,

For plurals

Wrong: Dog’s are cute.

Correct: Dogs are cute.

Apostrophes are not pluralising words.

Dogs means plural, indicates more than one dog

Dog’s means possession, something belongs to one dog

With “its” (possession)

Wrong: The dog wagged it’s tail.

Correct: The dog wagged its tail.

It’s means short form of it is or it has

With possessive pronouns

Wrong: her’s, your’s, their’s

Correct: hers, yours, theirs

These do not contain apostrophes.

For simple names

Wrong: I met Raj’s and Riya’s.

Correct: I met Raj and Riya.

If there is no ownership, then there is no apostrophe

For decades or abbreviations

Wrong: The 1990’s fashion trends were bold

Correct: The 1990s fashion trends were bold.

For decades possession

Wrong: The 1990s influence is still seen today

Correct: The 1990’s influence is still seen today

For plural family names

Wrong: The Smith’s are here

Correct: The Smiths are here

Apostrophes are NOT used to make the family names plural.

Incorrect:

The cat’s are sleeping.
Its a beautiful day.
The girls bag is lost.

When SHOULD you use it?

To show possession or ownership

Meena’s bag which means the bag belongs to Meena

For contractions

can’t means cannot

they’re means they are

With singular nouns

The boy’s toy which say it belong to one of boy who owns it

Names ending in “s”

Manas’s car, it is still correct usage.

With plural nouns (ending in s)

The teachers’ room which means room for many teachers. Here apostrophe at end of s.

With irregular plural nouns

Children’s toys
Men’s room

When the plural does not end ins, add ’s. (apostrophe and s)

For time or value

A day’s work
Two weeks’ notice

Simple rule: Use an apostrophe for possession, most nouns and contractions, but not use when possessive pronouns.

Correct,

Meena’s book is on the table.
They’re coming to the party.
The dog’s leash is missing.
We can’t wait to see you.
The students’ classroom is clean.

Examples/Mini Tips

Correct vs Incorrect

The cat’s toy is broken. This means the toy belongs to the cat
The cats toy is broken. Here missing apostrophe
She’s going home. This means she is
Shes going home. Here missing apostrophe
Its tail is long. This means possession
It’s wagging its tail. This means it is + possession
The players’ uniforms are ready. This means many players
The player’s uniforms are ready. This sounds like one player
Raj and Ramesh’s house. This means one shared house
Raj ’s and Ramesh’s houses. This means different houses
Where you place the apostrophe is important—it may alter the meaning.

Apostrophes have the ability to influence the feeling of your story to your readers.

Makes you to write speech in a natural way.

Make dialogue sound natural

“I don’t know” feels real
“I do not know” feels formal

Signs make the characters sound human.

Show clear ownership

Tejas’s car vs Tejas car.

Missing apostrophes may create misunderstandings.

Don’t break immersion

Minor grammar errors may lose your focus as a reader.

Match the voice of your character.

For casual writing can’t, won’t
For formal writing cannot, will not

Apostrophes help shape personality.

Mini Tips

Read your sentence aloud and verify it.
Expand contractions (e.g., “can’t” to “cannot”) to verify it.
If there’s no ownership, then better to skip the apostrophe
Don’t overthink it
Practice it with everyday sentences

Quick Checklist

Something owned? use apostrophe.

Word is shortened? use an apostrophe

Just plural? no apostrophe

It’s for it is

Its for possession

Quick Recap

Most common mistakes,

Using apostrophes for plurals
Confusing up its and it’s
Forgetting apostrophes in contractions

Final thought

Apostrophes may be hard at the beginning but the rules are easy to follow. Apply them where they are owning and contracting, but never to use in plurality. It will later begin to feel natural with some practice.

Hint: possession or shortening use apostrophe, if plural no need to use apostrophe.

Write simple and straightforward. Your readers will notice. And most importantly, write with confidence. You’ve got this!

Are you thinking about writing your very first book? Start with How to Start Writing a Book and learn How to Edit Your First Draft with confidence.

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