The Lowly Apostrophe

[SlugLobber]

 Hmmm, it seems this pooter doesn't recognise the Interrobang on t'interweb. Saw it in Word, though and shall endeavour to use it whenever I can!

*checks post carefully for rampant apostophe abuse*

[Brengirl]

I am trying so hard to follow this thread and realise that it is a perennial.
Is an apostrophe just an indication of a 'break' as in an upside down one, the comma, or an omission ie the possessive as in their's so why his and not he's. While I am here. Where do I put the ?

[OllieMartin]

I am trying so hard to follow this thread and realise that it is a perennial.
Is an apostrophe just an indication of a 'break' as in an upside down one, the comma, or an omission ie the possessive as in their's so why his and not he's. While I am here. Where do I put the ?

his, hers, ours, yours and its are all possesive, but don't use an apostrophe. Any other word does.
The way I think of it (true or not) is that the apostrophe replaces the missing "hi" from the word "his", or in plurals the word "their".
E.g. John his ball = John's ball
The magistrates their court = The magistrates' court

That way you pretty much always get it in the right place.

All other uses are when there is an obvious letter or letters missing.
E.g. It has been a while = It's been a while
Can not = Can't
I am = I'm

[Alison]

All other uses are when there is an obvious letter or letters missing.
E.g. It has been a while = It's been a while
Can not = Can't
I am = I'm

Ah but ''it" is an interesting one as you only use the apostrophe to replace the i of is (as above) and not when you are talking about something which belongs to it ie its door where as if it was a the door belonging to Fred you would say Fred's door - think it might be something to do with it being an inanimate object but not 100% sure.

Anyway, how can an apostrophe ever be lowly, you put it at the top......... sorry, will get my coat.......

[OllieMartin]

Anyway, how can an apostrophe ever be lowly, you put it at the top......... sorry, will get my coat.......

Because no-one invites it to the party

[Brengirl]

Where's the party?

[weekendwellies]

E.g. John his ball = John's ball
The magistrates their court = The magistrates' court

I always think of it as this:

the ball of John = John's ball

if it was the ball of all the Johns = the Johns' ball