Apostrophes (‘)

 

Some are confused when to use the plural form of a noun or an apostrophe.  Others are unsure how to use it’s and its.  It’s is a contraction of it is, while its is a possessive pronoun.

(Incorrect):                              The Yomamoto’s live on top of the hill.

(Correct):                                 The Yomamotos live on top of the hill.

(Incorrect):                              The University of Georgia has revised it’s on-campus alcohol policy.

(Correct):                                 The University of Georgia has revised its on-campus alcohol policy.

·       Contractions

Apostrophes are used to form contractions. Contractions are good for conversations and informal writing, such as personal letters.  Avoid contractions in formal writing.

                                      I am becomes I’m

                                      she will becomes she’ll

                                      does not becomes doesn’t

                                      it is becomes it’s

·       Possessions

Apostrophes are used to show possession.  The rule in this case is to add an ‘s to the singular noun that does not end in an s, also with the singular noun that ends in an s.

Some, on the other hand, avoid using the ‘s when the singular noun ends in an s.  Both forms are acceptable.

Raja’s bicycle was stolen.

Douglas’s family is moving to

California. 

                      or

Douglas’ family is moving to California.

For multiple nouns, apostrophes can be used in two ways—depending on the intended meaning:

1. If the nouns are used to indicate joint possession, the‘s is added to the last noun.

Tom and Jerry’s antics have amused children for a long time.

2. If the nouns are used to emphasize separate possessions, the ‘s  is added to each of the nouns.

Roshan’s and Jennifer’s graduation parties are planned for the same day.

·       Plurals of Letters, Symbols, and Words as Words

Apostrophes are used to form plurals of letters, symbols, and words indicated as words.

Several students made A’s in Dr. Fernando’s class.

She has too many #’s in her phone number.

Too many yes’s will be looked upon with suspicion.

Colons (:)

 

Colons cause problems for some beginning writers in three different ways:

1.            When a colon is placed after to be verbs,

2.            When a colon is placed after prepositions, and

3.            When a colon is placed after for example, such as, or including.

(Incorrect):                              The ingredients of the cake are: flour, milk, eggs, pineapple chunks, sugar, and baking soda.

(Correct):                                 The ingredients of the cake are flour, milk, eggs, pineapple chunks, sugar, and baking soda.

(Incorrect):                              The book consists of: ten chapters, appendices, and pictures.

(Correct):                                 The book consists of ten chapters, appendices, and pictures. 

(Incorrect):                              Many people worked on this project for example:  Anthony, Vasu, and Mala.        

(Correct):                                 Many people worked on this project, for example Anthony, Vasu, and Mala Colons have the following uses:

·       For a list

Colons are used for introducing a list.

These students are going on the field trip:  Susan, Al, Trey, Michele, and JoAnn.

·       For direct quotations

Colons are used to introduce long or literary quotations. 

Frederick Douglass writes in his Emancipation Proclaimed:  “Common sense, the necessities of the war, to say nothing of the dictation of justice and humanity have at last prevailed.”

·       For a Final Summary or Explanation

Colons are used for introducing final summaries or explanations to the first part of the sentence.  Both parts must be complete sentences (independent clauses).

The manager undertook the project with one goal: the project will be completed on time.

For Salutations in a Formal Letter; Between Hours and Minutes; Between Titles and Subtitles; Ratios; and Between City  and Publisher in Reference Citations

Dear Mrs. Bradley

10:00 a.m. (A.M.)

3:1

The History of Tribal People: Maoris in New Zealand

Broadway, Auckland:  Translands Books

Semicolons (;)

 

Semicolons fulfill two purposes in writing.  First, they are used to separate a series which contains commas.  Second, semicolons are used for joining two sentences (independent clauses) when the thoughts are closely related. Some examples of the use of semicolons are as follows.

(Incorrect use of semicolon in a series):

Dr. Jagath has to attend meetings in Edison, New Jersey, Athens, Georgia, and Jackson, Mississippi.         

(Correct use of semicolon in a series): 

Dr. Jagath has to attend meetings in Edison, New Jersey; Athens, Georgia; and Jackson, Mississippi

(Joining two independent clauses): 

The apple orchard belongs to Andy; he also has orange groves in Florida.