How the past affects the future: The story of the apostrophe

Abstract

This paper traces the history of the apostrophe, examining the purpose(s) for which the apostrophe has been utilized in the past as well as presenting its current use. An overview of contemporary rules of usage is included, along with specific examples of apostrophe misuse and a recommendation on how to teach apostrophe usage to nonnative speakers of English. Finally, an attempt is made to predict the apostrophe’s future.