Apostrophes

Writing Tip Despite the misuse and omission of apostrophes in some forms of everyday English, they are an important feature of academic writing and distinguish a ‘sloppy’ writer from a careful one. Read these sentences on the subject of US history and find the punctuation errors. It could be argued that Kennedys assassination contributed to the upheaval that took place in the 1960’s in the US. The Vietnam War and it’s repercussions had a profound influence on US society and its a subject that still arouses strong feelings. What’s wrong: There is one missing apostrophe and one apostrophe that should not be there in each sentence. The sentences should read: It could be argued that Kennedy’s assassination contributed to the upheaval that took place in the 1960s in the US. The Vietnam War and its repercussions had a profound influence on US society and it’s a subject that still arouses strong feelings. Nouns and names Use an apostrophe and s (’s) when something belongs to, is connected with or is done by someone or something: after a name: Barack Obama’s presidency/party/policies