USING APOSTROPHES

CONTRACTIONS AND POSSESSIVES:

How to Hit the Target Every Time!

Why Bother?
We awoke to the smell of
grandmothers cooking.
We awoke to the smell of
grandmothers cooking.
Using Apostrophes
There are two uses for apostrophes.
1. To form contractions.
do + not = dont

2. To show possession or ownership.
Jeans essay was good.


1. Forming Contractions
I + am = Im
could + not = couldnt
REMEMBER: The apostrophe marks the
location of the missing letter! Dont put
it in the wrong place!
couldnt couldnt
Contractions and Formal Writing
Do not use contractions in formal writing.
Always write the words out.
Informal:
Experts dont agree on why people cant
seem to stick to their diets.
Formal:
Experts do not agree on why people
cannot seem to stick to their diets.
2a. 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
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.

Oscar Lewiss article was interesting, but
I disagree with much of what he said.
Singular Possessive
Lincoln Universities mascot is the lion.

Lincoln Universitys mascot is the lion.
My next clients appointment is at 1:00.

My next clients appointment is at 1:00.
2b. 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, because the plural noun
already ends in an -s.

The five dogs water dishes were all empty.

The Stengles car is a Subaru.
Plural Possessive
All three agencies directors are coming.

All three agencies directors are coming.
Those students excuses are unbelievable.

Those students excuses are unbelievable.
Heres the Common Mistake!!
Dont make a word possessive when it
really is just a plain old plural.

The students did well.
The students success was well
deserved.
X
possessive
plain old plural
Another Tip!
You dont always need an apostrophe to
show possession. Personal pronouns do NOT
use apostrophes to show possession, only to
make contractions.

The dog wagged its tail. (its is a personal
pronoun meaning belonging to it)

Its really happy today. (its is a contraction for
it is)
Personal Pronouns
Lets practice!
Whose on first base?
Whos on first base?

Their presentation was the best.
Theyre presentation was the best.
Using Apostrophes

Thats all there is to know
about apostrophes, so we
have come to
the Lessons End
oops, I meant

THE LESSONS END!