What are single quotation marks? When to use single quotation marks in English (')

The single quotation marks is an important piece of knowledge in English. So let's explore the concept, usage, and practice exercises on the single quotation marks in English with PREP!

I. What are single quotation marks (') in English?

In English, single quotation marks are called as Apostrophe /əˈpɑː.strə.fi/, has the symbol: ('). 

Here are single quotation marks examples:

• I love John’s car. 

• I don’t like spiders. 

II. When to use the single quotation marks in English

Below, PREP would like to share the most common uses of the single quotation marks in English for you!

1. Using the single quotation marks to connect two words

Sometimes we connect two words to create a shorter word. We use the single quotation marks to indicate that we have omitted one or more letters:

2. Using the single quotation marks to indicate possession

When indicating the owner of something or a close relationship with something (possessive), we use the single quotation marks + "s" after the name or noun. When the noun is in plural form, we place the single quotation marks after the "s". Example:

• Is that Jack’s camera? 

• There was a big teachers’ conference last week in London. 

3. Using the single quotation marks to indicate time

We can use the single quotation marks + "s" to indicate time. When the time noun is in plural form, the single quotation marks will appear after the "s":

• For Emi, writing an essay involves at least an hour’s work. 

• It was two hours' walk from Xavia’s house to her office. 

Additionally, when referring to an exact time, we often use "o'clock":

• I have a meeting with Jackson at two o’clock. 

• I have dinner with Sarah at six o’clock. 

4. Using the single quotation marks in letters and numbers

The single quotation marks is used before two numbers referring to a year or a decade. Example:

• French students rioted in ‘68 (short for ‘1968’). 

• Jack worked as a schoolteacher during the ‘60s and early ‘90s. 

Using the single quotation marks helps the reader understand better when letters or numbers are in plural form, especially when they can be confusing without this separator.

• John’s 2’s look a bit like 7’s. 

• Emi got straight A’s in her exams.

5. Single quotation marks with periods and commas

Single quotation marks are part of the word they belong to, so they should not be separated from that word by periods, commas, question marks, or any other punctuation. Example:

• Can I ask you somethin’? 

• “’Twas the night before Christmas,” he said. ➞ The single quotation marks is at the beginning of the shortened quote, usually to indicate that you are starting a quote.

III. Notes on using single quotation marks

Let's go over the notes that users need to keep in mind when using single quotation marks!

• Using ‘s for has and is. Example:

  • Emi’s seen that movie already. ➞ has

  • Jack’s my brother. ➞ is

• Using ‘d for had and would:

  • They’d never been to London before. ➞ had

  • Xavia’d love to live in Paris. ➞ would

• We use single quotation marks to shorten it is ➞ it's. We do not use single quotation marks with it. Example:

  • The University is very proud of its gardens. (✅)

  • The University is very proud of it’s gardens. (❌)

IV. Differences between single quotation marks (') and double quotation marks (")

Now, PREP will help you distinguish between single quotation marks vs double quotation marks. Let’s take a look!

V. Exercises on single quotation marks

To better understand when to use single quotation marks, let's complete the exercise below!

1. Exercise

Exercise 1: Find and fix the errors

1. It’has been a long day, hasn’t it?

2. Sarah has book is on the table.

3. They’are planning to visit Paris next summer.

4. Don not forget to call me when you arrive.

5. The cat has whiskers are very long.

6. I can’t believe its already June.

7. Weve’ been friends since childhood.

8. John’is going to the concert tonight.

9. Emi didn’nt know what to say.

10. The teacher has instructions were very clear.

Exercise 2: Fill in the appropriate single or double quotation marks

1. The professor said, Philosophy begins in wonder.

2. In her speech, she quoted Aristotle: He said, Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.

3. I love the song Let it Be by The Beatles.

4. My mother asked, Did you hear him say, I will come home early?

5. I have read the book The Great Gatsby twice.

2. Answer

Exercise 1: 

Exercise 2: 

1. The professor said, "Philosophy begins in wonder."

2. In her speech, she quoted Aristotle: "He said, 'Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.'"

3. I love the song "Let it Be by The Beatles."

4. My mother asked, "Did you hear him say, 'I will come home early'?"

5. I have read the book "The Great Gatsby twice."

Above, PREP has provided you with all the information about the definition, usage, and notes on single quotation marks in English. Let’s follow PREP regularly to stay up-to-date with useful English knowledge!