Apostrophes: Master the correct use of apostrophes to show possession and contractions, while avoiding common mistakes.
What is an Apostrophe?
An apostrophe (’) is a punctuation mark used in writing to indicate possession, form contractions, and occasionally clarify the plural form of certain words. Apostrophes help make writing more precise and clear.
When to Use Apostrophes
To Show Possession:
Singular noun: Add ’s to indicate possession.
Example: The dog’s leash is on the table.
Plural noun ending in s: Add only the apostrophe.
Example: The dogs’ owner is outside.
Plural noun not ending in s: Add ’s.
Example: The children’s toys are everywhere.
To Show Contractions:
Use an apostrophe to indicate missing letters in contractions.
Examples:
Don’t (do not)
It’s (it is or it has)
You’re (you are)
To Show Plural Possession:
• Add an apostrophe after the plural form of the noun.
• Example: The teachers’ lounge is on the second floor.
Dos and Don’ts
Dos:
Use apostrophes for possession.
Do: The cat’s whiskers are long. (Singular possession)
Do: The cats’ bed is in the living room. (Plural possession)
Use apostrophes in contractions.
Do: They’re coming to the party.
Use apostrophes for clarity in unusual plural forms (e.g., letters or numbers).
Do: She got all A’s on her report card.
Don’ts:
Don’t Use Apostrophes for Plurals:
Incorrect: The cat’s are playful.
Correct: The cats are playful.
Don’t Confuse “Its” and “It’s”:
Its = possessive form (The dog wagged its tail).
It’s = contraction (It’s raining outside).
Don’t Add Apostrophes to Possessive Pronouns:
Incorrect: The book is her’s.
Correct: The book is hers.
Common Mistakes
Its vs. It’s:
Its: Possessive.
Example: The car lost its wheel.
It’s: Contraction for “it is” or “it has.”
Example: It’s been a great day.
Plural vs. Possessive:
Incorrect: The students book is on the desk.
Correct: The student’s book is on the desk.
Examples of Correct Apostrophe Use
Singular Possession:
Correct: The teacher’s desk is neat.
Plural Possession:
Correct: The teachers’ lounge is upstairs.
Contractions:
Correct: They’re going to the park.
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Correct the Apostrophes
Rewrite the following sentences with correct apostrophe usage:
1. Its a beautiful day outside.
2. The childrens toys are scattered across the floor.
3. The cats whiskers are long.
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks
Add apostrophes where needed:
1. The dog wagged ___ tail. (its/it’s)
2. The ___ toys were expensive. (childrens/children’s)
3. I can’t believe ___ raining! (its/it’s)
Feedback
Exercise 1: Correct the Apostrophes
Sample Answers:
1. It’s a beautiful day outside.
2. The children’s toys are scattered across the floor.
3. The cat’s whiskers are long.
Feedback:
• Ensure contractions (it’s) have an apostrophe.
• Use apostrophes correctly to show possession (children’s).
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks
Sample Answers:
1. The dog wagged its tail.
2. The children’s toys were expensive.
3. I can’t believe it’s raining!
Feedback:
• Check if “it’s” means “it is” or “it has.”
• Possessive forms (e.g., its) don’t need an apostrophe.
Helpful Tips
1. Always ask: Am I showing possession or a contraction?
2. Double-check “its” vs. “it’s” to avoid confusion.
3. Apostrophes are not for plurals—only for possession or contractions.
What is an Apostrophe?
An apostrophe (’) is a punctuation mark used in writing to indicate possession, form contractions, and occasionally clarify the plural form of certain words. Apostrophes help make writing more precise and clear.
When to Use Apostrophes
To Show Possession:
Singular noun: Add ’s to indicate possession.
Example: The dog’s leash is on the table.
Plural noun ending in s: Add only the apostrophe.
Example: The dogs’ owner is outside.
Plural noun not ending in s: Add ’s.
Example: The children’s toys are everywhere.
To Show Contractions:
Use an apostrophe to indicate missing letters in contractions.
Examples:
Don’t (do not)
It’s (it is or it has)
You’re (you are)
To Show Plural Possession:
• Add an apostrophe after the plural form of the noun.
• Example: The teachers’ lounge is on the second floor.
Dos and Don’ts
Dos:
Use apostrophes for possession.
Do: The cat’s whiskers are long. (Singular possession)
Do: The cats’ bed is in the living room. (Plural possession)
Use apostrophes in contractions.
Do: They’re coming to the party.
Use apostrophes for clarity in unusual plural forms (e.g., letters or numbers).
Do: She got all A’s on her report card.
Don’ts:
Don’t Use Apostrophes for Plurals:
Incorrect: The cat’s are playful.
Correct: The cats are playful.
Don’t Confuse “Its” and “It’s”:
Its = possessive form (The dog wagged its tail).
It’s = contraction (It’s raining outside).
Don’t Add Apostrophes to Possessive Pronouns:
Incorrect: The book is her’s.
Correct: The book is hers.
Common Mistakes
Its vs. It’s:
Its: Possessive.
Example: The car lost its wheel.
It’s: Contraction for “it is” or “it has.”
Example: It’s been a great day.
Plural vs. Possessive:
Incorrect: The students book is on the desk.
Correct: The student’s book is on the desk.
Examples of Correct Apostrophe Use
Singular Possession:
Correct: The teacher’s desk is neat.
Plural Possession:
Correct: The teachers’ lounge is upstairs.
Contractions:
Correct: They’re going to the park.
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Correct the Apostrophes
Rewrite the following sentences with correct apostrophe usage:
1. Its a beautiful day outside.
2. The childrens toys are scattered across the floor.
3. The cats whiskers are long.
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks
Add apostrophes where needed:
1. The dog wagged ___ tail. (its/it’s)
2. The ___ toys were expensive. (childrens/children’s)
3. I can’t believe ___ raining! (its/it’s)
Feedback
Exercise 1: Correct the Apostrophes
Sample Answers:
1. It’s a beautiful day outside.
2. The children’s toys are scattered across the floor.
3. The cat’s whiskers are long.
Feedback:
• Ensure contractions (it’s) have an apostrophe.
• Use apostrophes correctly to show possession (children’s).
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks
Sample Answers:
1. The dog wagged its tail.
2. The children’s toys were expensive.
3. I can’t believe it’s raining!
Feedback:
• Check if “it’s” means “it is” or “it has.”
• Possessive forms (e.g., its) don’t need an apostrophe.
Helpful Tips
1. Always ask: Am I showing possession or a contraction?
2. Double-check “its” vs. “it’s” to avoid confusion.
3. Apostrophes are not for plurals—only for possession or contractions.
