Does the Apostrophe Precede or Follow the Number- A Guide to Placing the Apostrophe in Numerical Contexts

Does the apostrophe go before or after the number? This is a common question that often arises when dealing with possessive nouns in English grammar. Understanding the correct placement of the apostrophe in such cases is crucial for maintaining proper sentence structure and clarity. In this article, we will explore the rules governing the placement of the apostrophe in possessive numbers and provide practical examples to help you master this grammatical rule.

The placement of the apostrophe in possessive numbers can be a bit confusing at first, but it follows a simple pattern. Generally, the apostrophe should go after the number when indicating possession. For instance, if you want to say that you have two cats, you would write “two cats’.” The apostrophe comes after the number “two” to indicate that the cats belong to you.

On the other hand, when the number itself is possessive, the apostrophe should go before the number. This is particularly relevant when referring to time periods or dates. For example, if you want to express that you have been working for three years, you would write “three years’.” The apostrophe comes before the number “three” to indicate that the time period belongs to you.

Let’s delve deeper into some examples to illustrate these rules:

1. Incorrect: “Two cats’s.”
Correct: “Two cats’.”

2. Incorrect: “Three years’s.”
Correct: “Three years’.”

3. Incorrect: “Last week’s.”
Correct: “Last week’s.”

4. Incorrect: “My friend’s car’s.”
Correct: “My friend’s car.”

In the first example, the apostrophe should be placed after the number “two” to indicate possession of the cats. In the second example, the apostrophe should be placed before the number “three” to indicate possession of the time period. The third example demonstrates the correct placement of the apostrophe when referring to a specific time period, while the fourth example shows that the apostrophe should not be doubled when indicating possession of a noun.

By following these rules and practicing with examples, you can ensure that your writing maintains proper grammar and clarity. Remember, the key to mastering the placement of the apostrophe in possessive numbers is to determine whether the number itself is possessive or if it is indicating possession of another noun. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to confidently answer the question, “Does the apostrophe go before or after the number?” in any given situation.