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Almost every Thursday, we go to the local livestock auction market for lunch and to check cattle prices.

The restrooms are labelled "HEIFER'S" and "STEER'S." I refuse to use the restroom, not because I am offended at being called a heifer, but because that apostrophe does not belong there.

Please, don't use an apostrophe to indicate a plural.

Picture's with Santa!
Please remove muddy boot's.
Chip's--$1.00

All incorrect.

For homework, tell about some recent sightings of misplaced apostrophes.

As a proofreader and editor, I see this all the time. The rule of thumb I give is 'think O'. Apostrophes should be used for omission (o'clock, haven't etc), and ownership or possessive, (Daisy's hat, the dog's ball). But I see it used in plurals, verbs and all sorts, yep - I've even seen sort's. It is extremely common, but it does erode clarity, and no more so than when it comes to its/it's.

One I see often and used to do myself was numbers. For example, it's not: I grew up in the 70's.
Instead it should read: the '80s.

"Its/it's" is next on my list.
I see it at least once a day, along with your's, their's, and her's.

Good rule, by the way. I like it.

I've found that an apostrophe alway's irk’s purist’s if it insert’s it’self within plural’s or present tense’s and turn’s them into possessive’s.

Theres little else to it.

Noel

@Noel!!