An apostrophe ( ’ ) indicates possession or omitted letters, while an asterisk ( * ), three-dot ellipsis ( ... ), and oblique ( / ) serve distinct functions in English grammar, syntax, and sentence structure.
Other Punctuation Marks Overview
Understanding the correct rules and mechanics of various punctuation marks is essential for clear writing. Below is a detailed guide on how to use the apostrophe, asterisk, three-dot ellipsis, and oblique correctly in your sentences.
What is an Apostrophe?
An apostrophe ( ’ ) is used with the letter s to indicate that something belongs to someone or something. In other words it is used to indicate possession.
Many errors centre on the position of the apostrophe in relation to the letter s.
A singular noun usually indicates possession by adding ’s (apostrophe s) to the singular form as in the girl’s mother, Peter’s car, the company’s policy, the town’s pride and joy.
A plural noun usually indicates possession by adding s’ (s apostrophe) to the plural form ending in s, as in all the teachers’ cars, many parents’ attitude to discipline, and by adding ’s to irregular plural nouns that do not end in s, as in women’s shoes.
In the possessive form of a name or singular noun that ends in s, x or z, the apostrophe may or may not be followed by s. In words of one syllable the final s is usually added, as in James’s house, the fox’s lair, Roz’s dress.
The final s is most frequently omitted in names, particularly in names of three or more syllables, as in Euripides’ plays. In many cases the presence or absence of the final s is a matter of convention.
The apostrophe is also used to indicate omitted letters in contracted forms of words, such as can’t and you’ve. They are sometimes used to indicate missing century numbers in dates, as the ’60s and ’70s, but are not used at the end of decades, etc, as in 1960s, not 1960’s.
Generally, apostrophes are no longer used to indicate omitted letters in shortened forms that are in common use such as ’phone and ’flu, now used simply as phone and flu.
Apostrophes are often omitted wrongly in modern usage, particularly in the media and by advertisers, as in womens hairdressers, childrens helpings. This is partly because people are unsure about when to use them and when not to use them, and partly because of a modern tendency to punctuate as little as possible.
Apostrophes, on the other hand, are also frequently used wrongly nowadays as in potato’s for sale and Beware of the dog’s. Again, this is because people are unsure about when, and when not, to use them.
How to Use Its and It’s Correctly
Its is an exception to the possession rule which sometimes causes confusion. When used to indicate possession (its fault, its engine, its environment) its has no apostrophe.
It is only when used as a contraction that an apostrophe is added (it’s cold, it’s raining, it’s still morning). Similarly, possessive pronouns that end in an s never take an apostrophe (yours, hers, ours, theirs).
What is an Asterisk?
The asterisk ( * ) is commonly used to direct the reader’s attention from a particular word or piece of text to a footnote or to another part of the text. The asterisk is placed after the relevant word or piece of text.
The asterisk is often used to replace a letter. The asterisk is usually one of a series and such a series is often found as a substitute for letters that would make up a word that would cause offence in some way, often swear words, as in: I can’t open this b****y tin
The asterisks replace the letters l o o d. When the letters are used instead of the asterisks the swear word bloody is formed.
What is a Three-Dot Ellipsis?
The three-dot ellipsis ( ... ) is used to indicate missing material. This missing material may be one word, as in the sentence I told you to get the ... out of here where the missing word is the swear word hell.
The missing material may be several words or a longer piece of text. For example, the three-dot ellipsis may be used to replace part of a quotation, proverb, etc, as in: Ah well you know, the moving finger writes ... (where and, having writ, moves on is omitted) and
You know what they say. A stitch in time ... (where saves nine is omitted).
It can also be used to indicate an unfinished thought or statement, as in: We might win handsomely; on the other hand ...
Sometimes a dash is used in the above cases.
What is an Oblique?
The oblique ( / ) is a diagonal mark that has various uses. Its principal use is to show alternatives, as in: he/she
Dear Sir/Madam
two-/three-room flat.
The oblique is also used in some abbreviations, as in: c/o Smith (meaning care of Smith)
An oblique is sometimes used instead of the word per, as in: 60km/h (60 kilometres per hour).
EXERCISE
1 Rewrite the following sentences, inserting apostrophes where this is appropriate.
a I cant remember his phone number and I dont know his address.
b Youll soon find out that youve made the wrong decision.
c Wed missed the train and there wasnt another one for several hours.
d Its amazing to think that they’ve known each other since the 60s.
e Its an interesting idea, but we need to consider its advantages and disadvantages.
2 Rewrite the following phrases, inserting an apostrophe where this is appropriate.
my mothers house
admiring her new kitchens modern facilities that streets convenient location his two aunts wise advice
the only local schools role in the community that sites most obvious disadvantage
Jacks main objection
mens outdoor clothes
stylish womens hairdressers
a lack of childrens nurseries in the area Jamess victory over the rest of the competitors consider all the travel agents best deals the foxs bushy tail Rozs beautiful wedding dress
the potatos long-lasting culinary appeal potatoes for sale here
the last centurys most significant contributions to industry all vegetables
drastically reduced
its universal appeal.
ANSWER
1
a I can’t remember his phone number and I don’t know his address.
b You’ll soon find out that you’ve made the wrong decision.
c We’d missed the train and there wasn’t another one for several hours.
d It’s amazing to think that they’ve known each other since the ’60s.
e It’s an interesting idea, but we need to consider its advantages and disadvantages.
2
my mother’s house
admiring her new kitchen’s modern facilities that street’s convenient location his two aunts’ wise advice
the only local school’s role in the community that site’s most obvious
disadvantage Jack’s main objection
men’s outdoor clothes
stylish women’s hairdressers
a lack of children’s nurseries in the area James’s victory over the rest of the competitors consider all the travel agents’ best deals the fox’s bushy tail Roz’s beautiful wedding dress
the potato’s long-lasting culinary appeal potatoes for sale here
the last century’s most significant contributions to industry all vegetables
drastically reduced
its universal appeal.
Key Takeaways
- An apostrophe indicates possession (e.g., Peter’s car) or omitted letters in contractions (e.g., can’t).
- The word its without an apostrophe denotes possession, whereas it’s is a contraction for it is.
- An asterisk ( * ) directs attention to footnotes or replaces letters in offensive words.
- A three-dot ellipsis ( ... ) indicates missing material or an unfinished thought.
- An oblique ( / ) shows alternatives, appears in abbreviations like c/o, and replaces per.
Quick Practice
Write your answers in the comments below: How would you correctly write the possessive form of "James" and the contraction for "it is"?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of an apostrophe?
An apostrophe is primarily used to indicate possession (ownership) with nouns and to show omitted letters in contracted words.
How do you use an asterisk in writing?
An asterisk is placed after a word or text to direct readers to a footnote, or it is used in a series to mask letters in offensive words.
What does a three-dot ellipsis represent?
A three-dot ellipsis represents missing words, omitted parts of quotations, or an unfinished thought and statement.