Apostrophes
Apostrophes are not used before the s in plural nouns.
The apostrophe is used in various ways:
To indicate a missing letter or letters
- it's = it is or it has
- don't = do not
- it'll = it will
- you're = you are
Note: dos and don'ts, which should not have an apostrophe before the s in each word.
Contracted forms affect style. UCAS often uses contractions to indicate a conversational style.
Informal, helpful
- I'm locked out of Apply. What can I do?
- It's not too late to apply for teacher training programmes
- Don't leave it to the last minute
More authoritative
- You are the administrator for web-link
- We are pleased to confirm that we have received the SQA results file
Possessive apostrophes
The most common way to form a possessive is to add 's to the noun:
- the girl's exam results
Plural nouns that do not end in s take 's in the possessive:
- men's lockers
- children's games
For nouns ending in s, add an apostrophe in all cases.
- James' results
- UCAS' staff
Use an apostrophe in phrases such as:
- one day's time
- two hours' work
- six days' leave