1 Punctuation: Apostrophes
Apostrophes indicate possession: something belonging to something or someone else.
To indicate something belonging to one person, the apostrophe goes before the ‘s.’
Example: This patient’s throat is sore.
But….
This rule does NOT apply when you are using the word “it.”
“Its” indicates something belonging to something that isn’t masculine or feminine (similar to the use of “his” and “hers” but used when you’re NOT talking about a person).
Examples: This patient is concerned that he will have to avoid the sun this summer because of its interaction with his medication.
“It’s” is only ever used when short for “it is.”
To indicate something belonging to more than one person, put the apostrophe after the ‘s.’
Example: Alzheimer patients’ short-term memory may be poor.
But…..
Apostrophes are NEVER used to make a word plural, even when a word is in number form, as in a date.
Example: The patient states that he had some abdominal surgery in the 1990s.
Apostrophes are also used to indicate a contracted word. But, in typing medical reports, NEVER use contractions (contracted words) unless you are typing a direct quote.
Examples:
“Isn’t” uses an apostrophe to indicate that the word is missing the “o” from “is not.”
The patient’s wife claims, “My husband doesn’t like visiting the doctor.” (direct quote)
If the voice file says: We would prefer a surgical approach, but the patient hasn’t decided if she wants the operation.
You must type: We would prefer a surgical approach, but the patient has not decided if she wants the operation.
Try it!
References
Oxford Royal Academy. (n.d.). 14 Common Grammatical Mistakes in English – And How to Avoid Them. Retrieved May 6, 2021, from Oxford Royal Academy: https://www.oxford-royale.com/articles/15-common-grammar-gripes-avoid/
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