Have you ever been confused about whether to add an apostrophe or not? As native English speakers, we tend to take our language for granted and make careless mistakes. Among the most common errors is the usage of the apostrophe, especially when dealing with possessive forms. In this article, we will explore the difference between \"five minute's\" and \"five minutes'\" and how one apostrophe can change everything.
The Importance of Apostrophes
Firstly, let's clarify the purpose of the apostrophe. This tiny symbol, located above the comma on your keyboard, serves two main functions in English. One, it indicates the omission of one or more letters, such as \"can't\" instead of \"cannot\" or \"it's\" instead of \"it is.\" Two, it shows possession or ownership, as in \"John's car\" or \"the cat's food bowl.\" It is in the latter function that we often encounter confusion.
Five Minute's
The phrase \"five minute's\" may seem legitimate at first glance, but a closer look will reveal that it is wrong. Why? Because it violates the basic rules of possessive apostrophes, which state that an apostrophe should come before the \"s\" to show singular possession, and after the \"s\" to show plural possession. The correct way to show that something belongs to five minutes is \"five minutes'.\" Hence, if we were to say \"five minute's delay,\" we would be implying that the delay belongs to something or someone called \"five minute.\"
Five Minutes'
On the other hand, \"five minutes'\" is the correct possessive form to use when referring to a plural noun that ends with an \"s.\" As mentioned earlier, the apostrophe should come after the \"s\" in this case. For instance, if we want to say that the meeting started five minutes later than scheduled, we would say \"the meeting's starting time had a delay of five minutes'.\" Note that the apostrophe is placed after the \"s\" in \"minutes\" because we are referring to more than one minute.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, the apostrophe may seem like a minor detail, but it can have a significant impact on meaning and clarity. When in doubt, it's always better to consult a grammar guide or dictionary to ensure accuracy. Remember that using the wrong form of the possessive apostrophe can not only make you look unprofessional but also confuse your readers or listeners. Always aim to use language that is precise and effective, and you'll never go wrong.
