Apostrophe Meaning in English

word

US

əˈpɑstɹəˌfi

uh-PAH-struh-fee

UK

ɐpˈɒstɹəfi

uh-POS-truh-fee

Definition

An apostrophe is a punctuation mark (') used to show possession (John's book) or contractions (don't = do not).

Usage & Nuances

Always use the apostrophe in English to show possession or in contractions. Do not use it to form plurals—this is a common mistake. In expressions like 'it's' (it is) and 'its' (possessive), be careful not to confuse them.

• Spanish: apóstrofo
• Portuguese (BR): apóstrofo
• Portuguese (PT): apóstrofo
• Chinese (Simplified): 撇号 - 省略符号
• Chinese (Traditional): 撇號 - 省略符號
• Hindi: अपॉस्ट्रॉफ़ी
• Arabic: فاصلة عليا
• Bengali: অ্যাপস্ট্রফি
• Russian: апостроф
• Japanese: アポストロフィ
• Vietnamese: dấu nháy đơn - dấu móc đơn
• Korean: 아포스트로피
• Turkish: kesme işareti - apostrof
• Urdu: اپاسٹروفی
• Indonesian: apostrof

Example Sentences

An apostrophe is used in "can't".

basic

Put an apostrophe before the s in "Tom's".

basic

The word "it's" has an apostrophe.

basic

Don’t forget the apostrophe in "she’s"!

natural

People often misuse the apostrophe in English plurals.

natural

Is the apostrophe in the right place in "kids' toys"?

natural