They make me want to hit things with blunt objects. I'm not the worlds most renowned grammar whiz by any stretch of the imagination; in fact, it's pretty safe to say that in the great grammar pool, I'm the obligate parasite that must attach itself to those of a more complex stature in order to survive. Apostrophes, however, are among the most treacherous of the problems I deal with. I don't understand when to use them and when not to.

Actually, that's not entirely true. I know that I'm supposed to use them when dealing with certain contractions, such as it's instead of it is or he's instead of he is. What I have a problem with is the proper use (or lack thereof) of apostrophes in regards to posession. For example, in the following setence I find it hard to recall whether or not I should use an apostrophe: The officer's car was stolen while he was on duty. My first instinct is to include the apostrophe, but then I start thinking about it and I end up second and third-guessing myself. I was taught these rules, and I've researched them on my own time and time again, but for the life of me, I can't retain them. It's frustrating.

Other grammatical problems I have to work on: (1) use of commas, and (2) tenses. I've got my work cut out for me. I should just lock myself up and throw away the key.

Perhaps I should have cut this? Meh.