Explanations:The use of apostrophes in English can be a tricky subject, especially when it comes to forming plurals. The primary function of an apostrophe is to indicate possession or to form contractions. It is not used to form plurals of words or numbers. This is a common misconception that often leads to errors in writing.
In the context of the question, "Tupac Shakur, Biggie Smalls, and Ice Cube were famous rappers during the 1990s," the correct answer is "Rappers 1990s." Here, "rappers" is the plural form of "rapper," and "1990s" is the correct way to write the plural form of the decade. The apostrophe is not needed in either case.
Let's break down the rules for using apostrophes in more detail:
1. Plurals of Words: To form the plural of a word, simply add an "s" or "es" at the end of the word. For example, "cat" becomes "cats," and "box" becomes "boxes." No apostrophe is needed. If the word ends in "s," "x," "z," "ch," or "sh," add "es" to form the plural. For example, "bus" becomes "buses," and "church" becomes "churches."
2. Plurals of Numbers: When referring to a decade, such as the 1990s, the correct form is to add an "s" without an apostrophe. For example, "1990s" is the correct way to write the plural form of the decade. Similarly, "1980s" and "2000s" are also correct.
3. Possession: Apostrophes are used to indicate possession. For singular nouns, add an apostrophe followed by an "s" (e.g., "the cat's toy"). For plural nouns that end in "s," add only an apostrophe (e.g., "the cats' toys"). For plural nouns that do not end in "s," add an apostrophe followed by an "s" (e.g., "the children's toys").
4. Contractions: Apostrophes are also used in contractions to replace omitted letters. For example, "it's" is a contraction of "it is" or "it has," and "don't" is a contraction of "do not."
Understanding these rules will help you avoid common errors when using apostrophes. Remember, apostrophes are not used to form plurals of words or numbers. They are used for possession and contractions. By applying these rules, you can ensure that your writing is grammatically correct and clear.