Apostrophe Symbol Copy and Paste (' and ’)
Straight apostrophe
Unicode U+0027 · HTML ' · Alt code Alt+39
Tap any symbol to copy it. Each tap also adds it to the box above, so you can copy several together.
Codes for every symbol on this page (Unicode, HTML, Alt, Mac, Word)
| Symbol | Name | Unicode | HTML | Windows Alt code | Mac | MS Word |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ' | Straight apostrophe | U+0027 | ' | Alt+39 | - | 0027 then Alt+X |
| ’ | Curly apostrophe | U+2019 | ’ | Alt+0146 | - | 2019 then Alt+X |
| ʼ | Modifier apostrophe | U+02BC | ʼ | - | - | 02BC then Alt+X |
| ` | Backtick (grave) | U+0060 | ` | Alt+96 | - | 0060 then Alt+X |
| ´ | Acute accent | U+00B4 | ´ | Alt+0180 | - | 00B4 then Alt+X |
| ‘ | Left single quote | U+2018 | ‘ | Alt+0145 | - | 2018 then Alt+X |
The apostrophe symbol (') is the small raised mark used in words like Ravi's and don't. On a keyboard it sits on the key next to Enter, which also carries the double quote. Many students in India call it the inverted comma symbol, because it looks like a comma lifted to the top of the line.
The apostrophe has only two main jobs in English: showing that something belongs to someone, and showing that letters are missing. Copy the straight ' or the curly ’ from the box above, or tap any mark in the grid. Then read the rules below, because a wrong apostrophe is one of the most common mistakes in letters, signboards and exam answers.
When to Use an Apostrophe: Two Main Rules
1. To show possession (belonging)
- One owner: add 's. Ravi's bicycle, the teacher's desk, India's capital.
- Plural owner ending in s: add only '. The girls' hostel, my parents' house.
- Plural owner not ending in s: add 's. Children's park, women's team.
2. To show missing letters (contractions)
- do not becomes don't
- I am becomes I'm
- they are becomes they're
- it is becomes it's
Contractions are fine in chats and friendly letters. In formal applications and exam essays, write the full words.
Its vs It's and the Plural Rule
These two rules fix most apostrophe errors.
| Wrong | Right | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Two laptop's for sale | Two laptops for sale | A simple plural never takes an apostrophe. |
| The dog wagged it's tail | The dog wagged its tail | its shows belonging, like his and her. No apostrophe. |
| Its raining | It's raining | it's means it is. |
| Who's book is this? | Whose book is this? | who's means who is. |
| Your welcome | You're welcome | you're means you are. |
Quick test: if you can replace the word with "it is" and the sentence still makes sense, use it's. If not, use its.
Apostrophe vs Single Quotes Symbol vs Inverted Commas
The same key on your keyboard types both the apostrophe and the single quote symbol, so people mix the names up. Here is how they differ:
| Mark | Common name | Use |
|---|---|---|
| ' | Straight apostrophe / single quote | Typed by the keyboard key; used in code and plain text |
| ’ | Curly apostrophe / closing single quote | Proper apostrophe in printed text; also closes a single quote |
| ‘ ’ | Single inverted commas | A quote inside a quote, or titles in some styles |
| “ ” | Double inverted commas | Direct speech: “I am ready,” said Meena. |
| " or '' | Straight double quote / double apostrophe | Plain text, code, and the inch mark |
| ` | Backtick (grave accent) | A separate key, used in code; not an apostrophe |
The double apostrophe symbol ('') is two single marks typed together. It looks like a double quote but is two characters, so use the real " or “ ” instead. Example of single inverted commas inside double ones: Riya said, “Ma’am asked us to read ‘The Last Leaf’ tonight.”
Want to show feet and inches, like 5' 8"? That is a different use, covered on the feet and inch symbol page.
How to Type the Apostrophe Symbol
- Windows and Mac: press the ' key next to Enter. Hold Shift with it for ".
- Alt codes on Windows: Alt+39 for ', Alt+0146 for ’, Alt+0145 for ‘, and Alt+0147 / Alt+0148 for “ ”. Use the number pad with Num Lock on.
- Microsoft Word: Word turns straight quotes into curly ones as you type. To control this, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options > AutoFormat As You Type and tick or untick "Straight quotes" with "smart quotes". You can also type 2019 then Alt+X for ’.
- Google Docs: Tools > Preferences > Use smart quotes switches curly quotes on or off.
- Excel: an apostrophe at the start of a cell tells Excel to treat the entry as text. Typing
'00123keeps the zeros, and the apostrophe stays hidden. - Android and iPhone: tap ?123 (Android) or 123 (iPhone). Long-press the ' key to see curly versions on many keyboards.
Apostrophe Examples for Practice
- Sneha's mother is a doctor. (one owner)
- The students' results are on the notice board. (many owners)
- We can't go out because it's very hot. (contractions)
- The company changed its logo. (no apostrophe in its)
- She scored three A's in her report card. (letters as plurals; an apostrophe helps readability here)
Apostrophes often sit next to other marks, so it helps to know the comma symbol rules too. For names of every keyboard mark, visit symbol names, or see the full punctuation marks guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is an apostrophe the same as an inverted comma?
Not exactly. An apostrophe is used inside words (Ravi's, don't). Inverted commas are quotation marks placed around words. They can look the same, which is why the names get mixed up in India.
What is the single quote symbol called, and what is the single inverted commas symbol?
The plain keyboard mark ' is called an apostrophe or a straight single quote. The curly pair ‘ ’ is called single quotation marks or single inverted commas.
What is the double inverted commas symbol?
Double inverted commas are “ ” in printed text or " on the keyboard. Type " with Shift and the apostrophe key. On Windows, Alt+0147 and Alt+0148 give the curly versions.
Why does my apostrophe look different in Word?
Word's AutoFormat changes the straight ' into a curly ’ as you type. Both are correct apostrophes. For code or website forms, you may need the straight version; press Ctrl+Z right after Word changes it to undo that one change.
Do plurals ever need an apostrophe?
Normal plurals never do: books, phones, 1990s. Some style guides use one only for single letters, like "mind your p's and q's", so that the plural is easy to read.