apostrophe

/ə'pɔstrəfi/

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Understanding the Word "Apostrophe"

Definition:
An "apostrophe" is a punctuation mark that looks like this: ('). It has two main uses:

Usage Instructions

• When using an apostrophe to indicate omission, place it where the letters have been removed.

  • Example: "I can’t" (short for "I cannot").

• When showing possession, place the apostrophe before the "s" for singular nouns and after the "s" for plural nouns that already end in "s."

  • Example: "The cat's toy" (one cat) vs. "The cats' toys" (more than one cat).

Examples

• Omission:

  • "It's raining outside." (It is raining outside.)
  • "They’re coming over." (They are coming over.)

• Possession:

  • "John's car is fast."
  • "The dogs' owner is friendly." (The owner of the dogs.)

Advanced Usage

• Plural Possession: For plural nouns that do not end in "s," you add an apostrophe and "s."
  • Example: "The children's playground" (playground for children).

Word Variants

• Apostrophic: This adjective describes something related to or characterized by an apostrophe.
  • Example: "In his apostrophic remarks, he addressed the audience."

Different Meanings

• Figurative Meaning: In literature, an apostrophe can also refer to a figure of speech where a speaker addresses someone absent or an imaginary figure.
  • Example: "O Death, where is thy sting?" (Here, the speaker addresses Death as if it were a person.)

Synonyms

While there are no direct synonyms for "apostrophe," you might encounter words like: - Punctuation mark (general term). - Contraction (when specifically referring to the omission of letters).

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that use the word "apostrophe," but understanding its role in contractions and possessives is crucial for mastering English punctuation.

Summary

The apostrophe is an important punctuation mark used to indicate missing letters and to show possession.

Academic

Noun

1. the mark (') used to indicate the omission of one or more letters from a printed word
2. address to an absent or imaginary person