Definition: An apostrophe is a mark of punctuation that can denote missing letters (can’t), plurals (3’s), or possessive case (Georgia’s) depending on how it is used. The typeset apostrophe is a specific glyph used in typeset text and other instances where appearances and good typographical practices matter. Although its appearance varies from one typeface to another, in general the typeset apostrophe is usually a small curved mark that faces to the left (like a tiny 9). It looks like a comma except it sits up above the baseline.
- On a Mac, use Shift+Option+] for a curly apostrophe. For Windows, use ALT 0146 (hold down the ALT key and type the numbers on the numeric keypad).
- In HTML, code the character as & #0146; for ’
Smart Quotes
Many word processing and desktop publishing software programs have a feature known as smart quotes that will automatically convert straight apostrophes (and quotation marks) to the typeset apostrophe. This option can be turned off or overridden -- a necessity when the intent is to use a straight apostrophe or prime for mathematical notations.Pronunciation: [tahyp-set uh-pos-truh-fee]
Also Known As: curly apostrophe | typographer's apostrophe
