AT A GLANCE

Editing for Apostrophes

  • Check each noun that ends in -s and shows possession. Is the apostrophe in the right place, either before or after the -s? (42a)
  • Check the possessive form of each indefinite pronoun, such as someone’s. Be sure the apostrophe comes before the -s. (42a)
  • Check each personal pronoun that ends with -s (yours, his, hers, its, ours, theirs) to make sure it does not include an apostrophe. (42a)
  • Does each it’s mean it is or it has? If not, remove the apostrophe. (42b)
  • Make sure other contractions use apostrophes correctly. (42b)