What are common errors associated with apostrophes?

An apostrophe error occurs when an apostrophe is needed to show possession or contraction, but it is not there or is in the wrong place. Apostrophes have two main uses: contractions and possession. If you can learn these rules, you can master apostrophe usage!

When should apostrophes not be used?

Avoid using apostrophes to shorten words These contractions can make writing less formal, so scientific and medical writers typically avoid using them. Informal: The cells didn’t respond to the drug. Formal: The cells did not respond to the drug. Informal: We’ll examine whether the compound alters protein function.

What is an apostrophe error called?

A grocer’s apostrophe is a spelling mistake caused by placing an apostrophe before the s of a plural word. (This is the plural of “cat.”)

How do you avoid apostrophe errors?

The rule is simple. A plural ending with an S forms its possessive by adding an apostrophe only: the dogs’ tails, the hats’ bands. A plural ending with any other letter works just like a singular noun. Add apostrophe plus S to form the possessive: the deer’s migration, the men’s room.

How are apostrophes used incorrectly to show possession?

Apostrophes may indicate possession or mark omitted letters in contractions. Writers often misuse apostrophes when forming plurals and possessives. The basic rule is quite simple: use the apostrophe to indicate possession, not a plural.

What is the rule of apostrophe?

Apostrophes may indicate possession or mark omitted letters in contractions. The basic rule is quite simple: use the apostrophe to indicate possession, not a plural. The exceptions to the rule may seem confusing: hers has no apostrophe, and it’s is not possessive.

What is a grocer’s apostrophe?

grocer’s apostrophe in British English noun. an apostrophe placed before a final s intended to indicate the plural but in fact forming the possessive. Word origin. from its supposed occurrence in grocers’ signage.

Does coffee need an apostrophe?

Coffees is a plural possessive noun, meaning that the word is already plural and it is the possessive of the word which follows it, flavors. The flavors belong to the two coffees. So, the apostrophe belongs after the “s”, They’re is a contraction of they and are.

When do you use an apostrophe in a sentence?

The apostrophe is perhaps one of the most-often misused punctuation marks. In one of our previous blog posts, we shared ten tips for using apostrophes correctly. This week, we are going to take a look at some of the most common mistakes people make while using apostrophes so that you can avoid making them too.

Why are pronoun errors so common in English?

Pronoun errors are common in modern English, as writers try to avoid awkward phrasing or the implication of sexist language. Although this is an admirable goal, it is still important to learn the correct grammar and use it in more formal situations. 3. Mistakes in Apostrophe Usage Apostrophes are used to show possession.

What are some of the most embarrassing spelling and grammar mistakes?

We’ve called up some embarrassing mistakes by companies such as McDonald’s and Nike to help illustrate the true cost of spelling and grammar fails. Apparently someone missed the memo about apostrophes

When do you know which is the most common grammar error?

When you know which common grammatical errors to look for, it’s easier to act as your own proofreader and editor. If you want to keep a quick reference guide for the most common grammar mistakes handy, you can print and hang this grammar error chart.