Before or After the Period- The Intriguing Placement of the Apostrophe in English Grammar

Does the apostrophe go before or after the period? This question often confuses many people, especially those who are new to the English language. The correct placement of the apostrophe is essential for proper grammar and punctuation, and understanding it can greatly enhance the clarity and effectiveness of written communication.

The apostrophe is a punctuation mark used to indicate possession, contractions, or the omission of letters. In the case of contractions, such as “it’s” for “it is” or “they’re” for “they are,” the apostrophe comes before the period. This is because the period is part of the contraction itself. For example, “It’s a beautiful day” is correct because “it’s” is a contraction of “it is.”

However, when the apostrophe is used to indicate possession, such as “the cat’s whiskers” or “the dog’s bone,” the apostrophe comes after the period. This is because the period is at the end of the sentence, and the apostrophe is part of the possessive noun. For example, “The cat’s whiskers are long” is correct because “the cat’s” is a possessive noun.

To summarize, the placement of the apostrophe depends on its purpose. If the apostrophe is part of a contraction, it goes before the period. If the apostrophe is part of a possessive noun, it goes after the period. By understanding this distinction, you can ensure that your writing is clear, grammatically correct, and professional.