Using Apostrophes

Using Apostrophes

There are two uses for apostrophes:
1. to form contractions
did + not = didnt

2. to show possession or ownership

Jeans essay was good.
Using Apostrophes

FORMING CONTRACTIONS
I + am = Im
could + not = couldnt

REMEMBER: The apostrophe takes the place

of the missing letter(s). Be sure to put it in
the right location!

Didnt Didnt
wrong
righ
t
!
Using Apostrophes
SHOWING POSSESSION: Singular

the hat belonging to the girl = the girls hat

the coat belonging to the boy = the boys coat
the title belonging to the book = the books title

REMEMBER: You need to add both the

apostrophe and the -s.
Using Apostrophes

Tip: Even when a singular noun already ends in

-s, you must still add an apostrophe and an -s
to form the possessive.

The classs test scores were high.

Lewiss essay was interesting.

Using Apostrophes
SHOWING POSSESSION: Plural

Form the possessive of plural nouns, including

plural names, by adding just an apostrophe. No
additional -s is needed after the apostrophe
when the plural noun already ends in -s.

The two computers monitors were different.

The Clintons relationship is interesting.
Using Apostrophes

Tip: When a plural noun does not end in -s, you

must add an apostrophe and -s to form the
possessive.

The childrens boots are covered with mud.

Mens fashions do not change as radically as

womens do.
Using Apostrophes
HERES A COMMON MISTAKE!
Dont make a noun possessive when it really is
just a plain old plural.

The studentsXdid well. plain old plural

The students success was well deserved.

possessive
Using Apostrophes
Heres another common mistake! Dont mix up
possessives and contractions.

Possessive Contraction

theirs theres
(= there is)
whose whos
(= who is)
your youre
(= you are)
Using Apostrophes
Heres an exception to the rule about
forming possessives: Possessive
pronouns do not use apostrophes.
That is ours.
That is yours.
That is theirs.
That is hers.
That is his.
Using Apostrophes

SPECIAL
PROBLEM

ITS / ITS
Using Apostrophes
Many people confuse its and its.

Remember that its, which means belonging to

it, is like other possessive pronounsit
doesnt take an apostrophe!

The contraction its means it is. The

apostrophe tells you that the letter i is
missing.
Using Apostrophes
The bakery donates its leftover bread to a soup
kitchen.

Its too late to register for that course now.

Lets Try
Some!
Using Apostrophes

A turtle hides its head and legs when

its afraid.
Incorrec
t!

A turtle hides its head and legs when

its afraid.
Correc
t!
Using Apostrophes

Its snowing, so the traffic department

will send out its plows.
Incorrec
t!

Its snowing, so the traffic department

will send out its plows.
Correc
t!
Using Apostrophes
And thats all there is to know about
apostrophes. Easy, isnt it?
Using Apostrophes

THE LESSONS END

oops, I meant

THE LESSONS END!

To review apostrophes, see
Chapter 32.