When to use an APOSTROPHE in written English? – English Grammar Lessons | IELTS Writing Practice

How to use an APOSTROPHE correctly in written English? – Free English Grammar Lessons online
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In this English lesson, Rachna will teach you how to use an apostrophe when you want to express possession in written English. Often, people get confused when they have to use an apostrophe in written English. This English lesson helps you clear your confusion.
Example 1: Britain’s coastline is very beautiful. (to show something belongs to something or someone)
Example 2: The girl’s bedroom is big. (the bedroom that belongs to the girl, one girl)
The girls’ bedroom is big. (many girls share the same room)
When the plural noun ends with an ‘s’, just put an apostrophe after the ‘s’. Do not add an ‘s’ after the apostrophe. Example: The girls’s ( incorrect).
Example 3: My boss’s car is new. (the car that belongs to my boss. You can avoid adding an ‘s’ after the apostrophe)
My bosses’ car is new. (My bosses have a common car)
My bosses’s (incorrect)
Example 4: We went to Maria’s sister’s wedding. (two possessives in a sentence. We attended the wedding of the sister of Maria)
Example 5: The door handle is lose.
The kitchen table is clean.
The door’s handle and the kitchen’s table, both are incorrect. Do not use an apostrophe to show possession for objects.
Example 6: The name of the ship was ‘Wonder Queen’. (not the ship’s name)
Example 7: My friend’s name is Andrew. ( you can use an apostrophe as you are talking about something that belongs to a person)
Remember, an apostrophe is used with a person, place, animal or an organization.