Correct use of Apostrophes
Here we talk about correctly using apostrophes. In academic writing the convention is to avoid abbreviated forms like can’t, don’t and that’s. This is mainly to ensure clarity in the text. If your essay contains contracted terms, consider replacing them with their full forms. This aligns better with academic presentation (e.g., “cannot,” “do not,” “that is”).
When using a plural noun in the possessive, the apostrophe must come after the s. This is in order to indicate that the noun is in the plural (eg the boys’ shoes shows more than one boy and their shoes (whereas the boy’s shoes indicates only one boy), the dogs’ friendliness indicates more than one dog which is friendly (whereas the dog’s friendliness refers to only one dog) and the flowers’ beauty indicates more than one flower (whereas the flower’s beauty demonstrates that it is a single flower which is beautiful)). When nouns have a plural form which do not involve adding an s (eg woman) then ‘s is inserted to indicate possession; (eg the women’s car – meaning the car belonging to the women).
Incorrect use of Apostrophes
Incorrect use of apostrophes, such as using “its” when meaning “it’s” (it is), can also obscure your message and create misunderstandings. In academic writing, precise language is vital for clarity and professionalism. Errors like “the student’s work” when referring to multiple students can undermine the credibility of your work, making it appear careless or unpolished.
By mastering the correct application of apostrophes, you enhance the clarity of your writing and convey your ideas more effectively. This attention to detail not only improves your communication but also reflects your commitment to high standards in your work.
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