1. Punctuation
The print journalist utilizes punctuation to provide clarity and to
bring understanding to readers.
Make the punctuation toolbox and its contents your good friend, if
you want to stand out so people will read your stuff.
There is nothing more frustrating than typos.
2. Apostrophe
The small apostrophe is a big friend of print journalism.
This tiny punctuation mark saves valuable space in copy.
Its most important job is showing possession of a word.
The possession rule states:
If the word ends in “s,” add the apostrophe.
If the word does not end in “s,” add an apostrophe plus “s.”
3. Contractions, omitted letters, figures
An apostrophe used in place of a letter or letters says
they are left out.
This saves the journalist valuable space in copy.
Use it to form contractions:
„Tis true that „til a better baker comes along, his apple pie is
the best in town.
I want to go to rock „n‟ roll heaven when I die.
Use an apostrophe to replace omitted figures.
It was during the Fabulous ‟50s that Carlton and Claudia
went to high school.
Members of the class of ‟33 found it difficult to obtain jobs.
4. Plurals of a single letter
Make an individual letter plural by adding an apostrophe
plus “s.”
To make an individual number plural, add the “s” but not
the apostrophe. Interestingly, the apostrophe is not used
to pluralize numbers.
The classic bell-shaped curve can be seen in the spread of
A‟s, B‟s, C‟s, D‟s and F‟s on yesterday‟s test.
Professor Walker has hoped to see more 80s and 90s on the
midterm exam.
5. Nouns/words that are singular
To indicate noun possession, add an apostrophe to the
person, place or thing.
For compound hyphenated singular-word constructions,
add an apostrophe and “s” to the last word.
My mother-in-law‟s raisin cookies are a big hit with my brother-
in-law‟s children.
The attorney general‟s briefcase was left in the taxi.
Also, pronouns that end in “body” or “one” must have an
apostrophe plus the letter “s.”
The captain‟s watch became rusted by the salty air.
Our dog‟s bite is worse than its bark.
Anybody‟s guess is better than nobody‟s opinion.
6. Nouns/words that are singular
When there are two names and they share joint
ownership, add an apostrophe and “s” to the last name
only.
Add an apostrophe plus “s” to all names when you
indicate separate ownership.
Tamara and T‟J.‟s bed is too large for the bedroom. (joint
ownership)
Gabriella‟s and Marlene‟s books are on different shelves in
their apartment. (separate ownership)
Shaina‟s and Starla‟s cars are PT Cruisers. (separate
ownership)
7. Nouns/words that are singular
When there is a noun that is plural in form but singular in
meaning, add only the apostrophe.
Mathematics‟ rules
Measles‟ effects
A more acceptable way of writing these words would be
“rules of mathematics” and “the effect of measles.”
General Motors‟ profits
United States‟ wealth
It might better to rewrite in order to avoid the possessive
case, such as “the profits of General Motors” and “the
wealth of the United States.”
8. Nouns/words that are singular
When you encounter singular common nouns that end in
“s,” add an apostrophe plus “s” unless the next word begins
with “s.”
Hostess‟s dinner menu but hostess‟ Siamese cat
Witness‟s testimony but witness‟ statements
Governess‟s dress but governess‟ social life
Some singular proper names end in “s.” In this situation, only
an apostrophe is needed.
Jesus‟ parables
Julius‟ diamond ring
Kansas‟ tornado season
John Quincy Adams‟ library
9. Nouns/words that are singular
Some phrases have words ending in “s.” When these words
are descriptive, you do not use the apostrophe.
A citizens band radio
Writers guide
A teachers college
Try: A radio band for citizens; A guide for writers; A college
for teachers
Some organizations with a descriptive word in their names
use an apostrophe to show possession while other
organization do not. Follow the user‟s practice: Google it.
Natalie Hernando wants to join the Actors‟ Equity.
Carmen Diaz subscribes to the Ladies‟ Home Journal.
Every state is represented in the National Governors Association.
10. Nouns/words that are singular
For words ending in an “s” sound and followed by a word
beginning with an “s,” add an apostrophe only.
For appearance‟ sake
For conscience‟ sake
For goodness‟ sake
In some cases, it is simpler to rewrite the phrase in a way
that avoids using this correct but potentially confusing
grammatical rule.
For the necessity of appearance
For the sake of conscience
For the principle of goodness
11. Nouns/words that are singular
Do not personalize inanimate objects by using an
apostrophe. However, there is no hard and fast rule
about using the possessive with an inanimate object. This
is especially true if the object is personified.
The interminable wind‟s sighing caused Midwestern pioneers
to become mentally unbalanced.
It is better to avoid the possessive form of inanimate
objects by placing “of” in front of that inanimate object.
Physics‟ rules are inflexible.
The rules of physics are inflexible.
12. Nouns/words that are plural.
Show possession by adding the apostrophe after the “s” to
plural nouns ending in “s.”
Gap stores handle girls‟ clothing.
Our Buccaneers‟ game plan is built around the forward pass.
Goats‟ hooves have black shoe police applied for 4-H
competitions.
Add an apostrophe plus “s” to plural nouns not ending in
“s.”
Children‟s toys this Christmas are covered with lead paint.
Creating women‟s hats is an art.
The men‟s room at Antonio Steakhouse is identified with the
word “Steers” on the door.
13. Nouns that are plural possessive
Some nouns call for an “es” in plural form. This added
syllable makes pronunciation easier. The possessive for
these nouns is “es‟.”
Beach – beaches
Fox – foxes
Wish – wishes
Jones – Joneses
We went to the Joneses for the party.
14. Nouns that are singular or plural
Some nouns, such as “deer,” can be either singular or
plural.
If that noun ends in “s,” the possessive should be “s” plus
an apostrophe. If the noun does not end in “s,” the
possessive would be apostrophe plus “s.”
The corps‟ military assignment is to defend the border
between the United States and Malaysia.
Four deer‟s antlers were mounted on the hunter‟s wall.
15. Quasi-possessive words
Add an apostrophe plus “s” when the word is singular.
Add an “s” plus an apostrophe when the word is plural.
Hyphenate the word whenever possible for clarity.
A month‟s worth of work awaits Armando.
Mia plans to earn five years‟ pay before she marries.
Matthew says a two-week vacation in Florida reminds him of
Egypt.
16. Do Nots
No apostrophe use for feet and minutes
The mathematical symbol for “feet” is an apostrophe. The
mathematical symbol for “minutes” is an apostrophe. The
wire services do not use either.
This means you must spell out your words.
Wrong: 25‟
Wrong: 45‟
Right: 25 feet
Right: 45 minutes
17. Personal Interrogative and related
pronouns
Do not use an apostrophe with personal interrogative
and related pronouns.
Theirs is the task of cleaning up the gym, and ours is the
responsibility of sweeping the hall.
What‟s his is mine, and what‟s hers is yours.
18. Possessive Pronouns and Adjectives
Do not use an apostrophe in possessive pronouns or for
words used as adjectives.
The Veterans Administration has its job clearly defined for
returning Iraqi veterans.
The employees entrance to the doctors lounge is a the rear
of the hospital.
19. Colons and Semicolons
Colons and semicolons are infrequently used, but it is
important to know when and how to use them.
Two uses of colons are in listings and in dialogue.
Semicolons provide more space for thought than a
comma allows.
Semicolons help make lists clear by separating items in a
series.
20. Colons
Biblical verses, legal documents, literary manuscripts
Utilize colons when citing Biblical chapters and
versus, references to legal documents and to literary
manuscripts.
Nicholas Pappas‟ favorite New Testament verse is John
3:16.
The district attorney nailed the dope dealer using
Arkansas Code 7:14-144.
One of Shakespeare's most romantic lines is Sonnet 18:1.
21. Colons
With bullets – the colon always comes into play when
items preceded by bullets are introduced.
The City Council:
- Disapproved the mayor‟s raise
- Approved paving for Hall Street
- Approved purchasing two fire engines
When a more formal roster is needed, the colon is used:
The dean fined the following fraternities:
Beta Beta Beta
Phi Phi Phi
Omega Omega Omega
