In most cases, the possessive is formed by the addition of an apostrophe and an “s” for singular nouns: the book’s cover

To indicate possession by multiple individuals or groups, add the possessive only on the final item in the series: Sally, Mike and Dan's company

For plural nouns ending in “s,” add only an apostrophe:

states' rights

For plural nouns not ending in “s,” add an apostrophe before the “s”: women’s rights

Singular common nouns ending in “s” are made possessive by adding “s,” unless the next word begins with “s.” the witness's answer the witness' story

Singular proper names ending with “s” are made possessive by adding an apostrophe:

Andrew James’ boat is red and white.

Quotation marks should be placed outside most punctuation. Question marks, dashes, semicolons and exclamation marks go within the quotation marks only when they apply to the quoted matter.

Toni Morrison wrote “Beloved.”

I borrowed her copy of "What Do People Do All Day?"

At the dance she said, “It’s time for the electric slide.”

“Our international students will arrive Saturday,” the professor stated.

Who wrote “Invisible Man”?

The question mark and exclamation mark always go outside the quotation mark unless the quotation is a question or an exclamation.

“What color is it?” Jones asked.

An abbreviation of the phrase “please reply” in French. Do not use with “please.” Use in invitations but not in running text.

Do not capitalize names of seasons unless part of a formal title.

The Chamber Music Festival launched last fall.

Winter Olympics

The names of the 50 U.S. states should be spelled out when used in the body of a story, whether standing alone or in conjunction with a city or town.

Place a comma between the city and the state name and after the state name.

Amanda was traveling from Franklin, Tennessee, to Frankfort, Kentucky.