Definition

1. Noun:
   • A punctuation mark ('): The apostrophe is a punctuation mark used primarily to indicate either the omission of letters in a contraction or to show possession.
   • A rhetorical figure of speech: In rhetoric and poetry, an apostrophe is a direct address to an absent person, an abstract idea, or an inanimate object as if it were present and capable of understanding.

Usage

• As a punctuation mark:
  • Use an apostrophe to form possessives for nouns (e.g., the dog's bone, the students' books).
  • Use an apostrophe to indicate omitted letters in contractions (e.g., can't for cannot, it's for it is or it has).
  • Use an apostrophe to form the plural of lowercase letters (e.g., Mind your p's and q's). This usage is less common.
• As a rhetorical device:
  • The apostrophe is used to convey strong emotion or to give abstract concepts a voice, often in literature and speeches.

Examples

• Punctuation mark:
  • Sarah's book is on the table. (The apostrophe shows that the book belongs to Sarah.)
  • Don't forget to buy milk. (The apostrophe in "don't" shows the omission of the letter 'o' from "do not.")
  • The two actresses' performances were outstanding. (The apostrophe after the 's' shows plural possession.)
• Rhetorical device:
  • "O Death, where is thy sting?" (The speaker is directly addressing the abstract concept of Death.)
  • "Is this a dagger which I see before me...?" (In Shakespeare's Macbeth, the character speaks to an imaginary dagger.)

Advanced Usage

• Its vs. It's: A common point of confusion. "Its" (without an apostrophe) is the possessive form of "it." "It's" (with an apostrophe) is a contraction for "it is" or "it has."
  • The cat licked its paws. (Possessive)
  • It's raining outside. (Contraction for "it is")
• Joint vs. Individual Possession: The placement of the apostrophe changes meaning.
  • Jack and Jill's pail (They shared one pail).
  • Jack's and Jill's pails (They each had their own pail).

Variants and Related Words

• Apostrophic (adj): Pertaining to or characterized by an apostrophe (the rhetorical device).
  • The poet's apostrophic style made the poem feel like a conversation.
• Apostrophize (verb): To address something or someone using an apostrophe (the rhetorical device).
  • The speaker apostrophized the concept of liberty.

Synonyms

• Punctuation mark: prime mark, single quotation mark (Note: These are typographical symbols used in different contexts and are not perfect synonyms).
• Rhetorical address: invocation, direct address.

Common Errors and Notes

• Do not use an apostrophe to form standard plurals. Incorrect: Correct:
• Do not use an apostrophe with possessive pronouns like . These words are already possessive.
• The rhetorical device is pronounced /əˈpɒs.trə.fi/. The punctuation mark has the same pronunciation but is often discussed in the context of writing rules.

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