Common Errors Questions Medium
Some common errors in using apostrophes include:
1. Incorrectly using apostrophes to indicate plural forms: Apostrophes should not be used to make a noun plural. For example, "apple's" is incorrect when referring to multiple apples; it should be "apples" instead.
2. Misplacing apostrophes in contractions: Apostrophes should be placed where letters have been omitted in contractions. For example, "can't" is the contraction of "cannot," and the apostrophe replaces the missing "no."
3. Using apostrophes with possessive pronouns: Possessive pronouns, such as "yours," "theirs," and "its," do not require apostrophes. For example, "That book is theirs" is correct, while "That book is their's" is incorrect.
4. Confusing "it's" and "its": "It's" is the contraction of "it is," while "its" is the possessive form of "it." For example, "It's a beautiful day" is correct, while "The dog wagged it's tail" is incorrect.
5. Using apostrophes in plural acronyms or dates: Apostrophes should not be used to form plurals of acronyms or dates. For example, "DVDs" is correct, while "DVD's" is incorrect.
6. Overusing apostrophes in possessive nouns: Apostrophes should only be used to indicate possession in singular nouns or plural nouns not ending in "s." For example, "The cat's toy" is correct, while "The cats' toy" is correct when referring to multiple cats.
It is important to use apostrophes correctly to ensure clear and accurate writing.