# A Friendly Guide to Apostrophes vs Quotation Marks ## Table of contents - [How to use apostrophes](/content/blog/apostrophes-vs-quotation-marks#how-to-use-apostrophes/index.html) - [Apostrophes in contractions](/content/blog/apostrophes-vs-quotation-marks#apostrophes-in-contractions/index.html) - [Apostrophes in possessives](/content/blog/apostrophes-vs-quotation-marks#apostrophes-in-possessives/index.html) - [Apostrophe errors to avoid](/content/blog/apostrophes-vs-quotation-marks#apostrophe-errors-to-avoid/index.html) - [How to use quotation marks](/content/blog/apostrophes-vs-quotation-marks#how-to-use-quotation-marks/index.html) - [Quotation marks errors to avoid](/content/blog/apostrophes-vs-quotation-marks#quotation-mark-errors-to-avoid/index.html) - [Conclusion](/content/blog/apostrophes-vs-quotation-marks#conclusion/index.html) - [FAQs](/content/blog/apostrophes-vs-quotation-marks#faqs/index.html) Apostrophes and quotation marks look similar, but the difference between them is enormous. An apostrophe (’) is part of a contraction or a possessive noun, while quotation marks (”) show where a title or quotation begins and ends. The rules for apostrophes and quotation marks are detailed, making them challenging to understand. The good news? In my experience helping thousands of student writers, apostrophes and quotation marks get easier with practice. The tips and common errors in this article will make them easier for you, too. Let’s dive in. ## Key takeaways - Apostrophes are used for contractions and possessive nouns. Quotation marks are used for titles of shorter works and quoted text or speech. - To form a singular possessive noun, add an apostrophe + -s, even if the singular noun already ends in -s. - To form a plural possessive noun, add an apostrophe to the end of the word — after the plural -s. If the plural doesn’t end in –s, add apostrophe + -s. - Use quotation marks around titles of shorter works, such as songs, articles, short stories, poems, and episodes of TV shows. Titles of longer works like albums, magazines, books, TV shows, and films need italics. - Always use quotation marks when quoting another person’s words in your writing. ## How to use apostrophes Although apostrophes may seem tiny, they make a big impact on your writing. Apostrophes have two main uses: contractions and possessive nouns. ### Apostrophes in contractions A contraction is a shortened version of two words. The apostrophe takes the place of the letters that are dropped when combining the words. #### **Common contractions:** - They’re = they **a** re - We’re = we **a** re - Could’ve = could **ha** ve - Isn’t = is n **o** t - It’s = it **i** s or it **ha** s - That’s = that **i** s - We’ll = we **wi** ll ##### **Examples:** > **I’ve** seen every episode of _Friends_ at least five times. ( _I’ve_ = _I have_) > The spinoff series _Joey_ **wasn’t** very popular. ( _wasn’t =_ was _not_) You can also make a contraction with a noun (a person, place, or thing) + _is_. Contractions like these help us write and speak more concisely. ##### **Examples:** > **Rachel’s** working at Central Perk in the morning. ( _Rachel’s_ = _Rachel is_) > The **television’s** broken again, so we can’t watch _Friends_. ( _television’s_ = _television is_) ### Apostrophes in possessives Apostrophes also show which nouns are possessive. A possessive noun has ownership of another noun in the sentence. So, where does the apostrophe go in a possessive noun? It depends on whether the noun is singular (one person, place, or thing) or plural (more than one). #### **Singular possessive nouns** To make a singular possessive noun, add an apostrophe + -s, even if the singular noun already ends in -s. ##### **Examples:** > The **apartment’s** front door was purple and gold. > While reading **Rachel’s** letter, Ross fell asleep. > **Ross’s** love for Rachel began in high school. A possessive noun doesn’t have to be a person; it can also be a place or thing. For example, in the phrase _the apartment’s front door_, the front door belongs to the apartment. #### **Plural possessive nouns** Apostrophe rules for plural possessives are different. The apostrophe usually goes after the plural -s. ##### **Example:** > Ross spent all weekend grading his **students’** exams. > Here, the apostrophe goes after the plural -s to show that many students had exams. But some plural nouns don’t end in -s. Some examples include _children_, _people_, and _women_. In that situation, add an apostrophe + s. ##### **Example:** > I used to watch _Friends_ after my children’s **bedtime**. > Because _children_ doesn’t end in -s, you need an apostrophe + -s to make it possessive. ## Apostrophe errors to avoid Here are some common apostrophe errors to steer clear of. ### Error 1: Apostrophes in words that are plural but not possessive > ❌ My friend’s all have interesting hobbies. > ✅ My friends all have interesting hobbies. Here, the hobbies do belong to the friends, but the verb _have_ already says that. It would also be correct to write, _My friends’ hobbies are all interesting._ ### Error 2: Apostrophes in numbers that represent decades > ❌ The 1990’s were an exciting time for fans of grunge music. > ✅ The 1990s were an exciting time for fans of grunge music. Decades do not need apostrophes unless they’re possessive, as in _the 1990s’ best television series_. ### Error 3: Apostrophe mistakes with pronouns The apostrophes in _it’s_, _you’re_, and _who’s_ are tricky because those words are not possessive. They’re contractions for _it is_, _you are_, and _who is_. They also sound just like these possessive pronouns: _its_, _your_, and _whose_. > ❌ Its like your always stuck in second gear. > ✅ It’s like you’re always stuck in second gear. **Tip:** When you’re unsure about whether to use a contraction or a possessive pronoun, replace the word with _it is_, _you are_, and _who is_ to see if the sentence still makes sense. ## How to use quotation marks The rules I’ll explain next will help you further understand the difference between apostrophes and quotation marks. Writers use quotation marks in two situations: for titles of shorter works and when quoting someone else. American English uses double quotation marks in both situations. ### Double quotation marks for titles in American English Quotation marks show which words in the sentence are part of a title. They also show that the title is for a short work — such as songs, articles, poems, short stories, and episodes of television series — versus a long work. Titles of longer works, such as movies and television series, need italics instead of quotation marks. ##### **Example:** > One of the funniest episodes of _Friends_ is “The One with All the Wedding Dresses.” Generally, if the title of the work you’re using is part of a larger work, it should have quotation marks. ### Double quotation marks for quotations in American English Quotation marks are essential anytime you quote another person in your writing. They help you avoid [plagiarism](/content/blog/how-to-avoid-plagiarism/index.html) — presenting another person’s words or ideas as your own. ##### **Example:** > In a [_BBC_ article](https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20190920-friends-the-show-that-changed-our-idea-of-family), Clare Thorp explains, “Many elements of _Friends_ were fantastical — underemployed adults living in enormous Greenwich Village apartments for one — but the idea of constructing an alternative family from friends was one that resonated.” Sentences with quotations should also include the author’s name or other details about where the quotation came from. ## Quotation mark errors to avoid These common quotation mark errors will help you understand the difference between apostrophes and quotation marks. ### Error 1: Quotation marks around titles of longer works > ❌ “Friends” was on the air from 1994 to 2004 and remains popular today. > ✅ _Friends_ was on the air from 1994 to 2004 and remains popular today. Here, quotation marks are not correct because _Friends_ is the title of a television series. ### Error 2: Quotation marks for words that aren’t quotations or titles > ❌ My “friends” canceled at the last minute. > ✅ My inconsiderate friends canceled at the last minute. Using quotes for sarcasm is not ideal. Instead, use precise word choices to say what you mean. ### Error 3: Quoting another writer without quotation marks > ❌ In spite of some recent challenges, to quote the Beatles, I get by with a little help from my friends. > ✅ In spite of some recent challenges, to quote the Beatles, “I get by with a little help from my friends.” When you quote another person in your writing, use quotation marks to show which words are theirs. ## Conclusion Apostrophes and quotation marks have very different uses, but they both lead to clear writing. Use an apostrophe when you’re writing a contraction or a possessive noun. Use quotation marks for titles of short works, such as songs or short stories. Quotation marks are also essential when you’re quoting another person’s words. ## FAQs ### What’s the difference between an apostrophe and quotation marks? An apostrophe (’) is used for contractions and possessive nouns. Quotation marks (”) show where a title or a quotation begins and ends. ### When do I need quotation marks for titles? You need quotation marks for titles of shorter works, such as songs, short stories, and articles. Titles of longer works, such as albums, books, and magazines, need italics.