Common Mistake: Using Straight Apostrophes instead of Typographical Apostrophes

When it comes to punctuation, many people fail to distinguish between straight apostrophes and typographical (curly) apostrophes. This common mistake can affect the overall professionalism and clarity of your writing. In this article, we will explore the difference between the two and explain why it is important to use typographical apostrophes correctly.

Straight Apostrophes

Straight apostrophes ('), also known as the typewriter apostrophes or single quotation marks, are vertical marks that are often used inadvertently in place of typographical apostrophes. While it might be tempting to use straight apostrophes due to their accessibility on keyboards, they are not appropriate in formal writing.

For example:

• Incorrect: Im not sure if hes coming tonight.
• Correct: I'm not sure if he's coming tonight.

Typographical Apostrophes

Typographical apostrophes (’), also called curly apostrophes or single closing quotation marks, are used in proper English typography. These curved marks are visually appealing and add a touch of professionalism to your writing.

For example:

• Incorrect: Dont forget to bring your umbrella.
• Correct: Don’t forget to bring your umbrella.

Why Use Typographical Apostrophes?

The use of typographical apostrophes is not just about aesthetics; it also helps to convey meaning and prevent ambiguity in your writing. These are some reasons why using typographical apostrophes is essential:

• They indicate the presence of omitted letters: e.g. I'm (I am), don't (do not).
• They mark possessives: e.g. Mary's book, the dog's collar.
• They distinguish between singular and plural possessives: e.g. the girl's hat (singular), the girls' hats (plural).

Linguix Grammar Checker

If you want to avoid making this common mistake and many other grammar errors, you can rely on the Linguix grammar checker. It can help you spot and correct punctuation errors, as well as provide suggestions to improve your writing overall.