Does yesterdays have an apostrophe? This question often arises in the realm of grammar and punctuation, particularly when dealing with possessive nouns. Understanding the correct usage of apostrophes in this context is essential for maintaining clear and effective communication.
In the English language, apostrophes are primarily used to indicate possession or to form contractions. When it comes to the word “yesterday,” the presence or absence of an apostrophe can be a bit confusing. The key to determining whether “yesterdays” should have an apostrophe lies in its function and the intended meaning.
Firstly, it’s important to note that “yesterday” is a noun that refers to the day before today. In its singular form, “yesterday” does not require an apostrophe. For example, “I remember what I did yesterday” is grammatically correct. However, when “yesterday” is used in the plural form, it indicates more than one day, and the apostrophe is necessary to show possession. In this case, the correct form is “yesterdays.”
For instance, “She visited her grandparents on yesterdays” would be incorrect. Instead, the correct sentence should be, “She visited her grandparents on yesterdays’ houses.” The apostrophe in “yesterdays'” indicates that the houses belong to the grandparents who visited them.
On the other hand, when “yesterday” is used in a possessive context without indicating a plural, it does not require an apostrophe. For example, “I remember the way it was yesterday” is grammatically correct, as “yesterday” is not being used to indicate possession of something.
In conclusion, the presence of an apostrophe in “yesterdays” depends on its function and the intended meaning. If “yesterday” is used in the plural form to indicate possession, an apostrophe is necessary. However, if “yesterday” is used in a possessive context without indicating a plural, no apostrophe is required. By understanding these rules, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and grammatically correct.
