The Apostrophe Its It’s so simple!

Apostrophe humor

This part is easy! Use an apostrophe to indicate the omission of letters from words. You know… contractions. The apostrophe can also indicate the omission of numbers in dates. Examples: shouldn’t (should not) isn’t (is not) I’ve (I have) The class of ’80

This isn’t bad either! Use the apostrophe with s to indicate plurals of letters, numbers, symbols. Use the apostrophe + s for clarification when forming the plural of a word that is not normally a noun Example: as vs. A’s Examples: Young children often confuse b’s with d’s. That little boy writes his 9’s backwards. Use *’s to make notes below. Here are some do’s and don’ts.

OK…Now it can get a little tricky Rule #20 Use the apostrophe to show possession. Remember, it has to be about possession or ownership. With a singular noun or pronoun, simply add ’ s. Easy, right? Examples: Kim is riding Tracy’s bike. That is someone’s pencil. We followed the teacher’s class rules.

Use the apostrophe to show possession Use the apostrophe to show possession. Remember, it has to be about possession or ownership. You do this even if the singular noun ends with s. Example: Look at the princess’s crown. You also add ’ s to a plural noun that doesn’t end with s. Examples: Those are other people’s opinions. The children’s department is upstairs.

More apostrophe humor

Here’s where it gets a bit complicated Rule #22 Use an apostrophe alone to form the possessive of a plural noun ending in s. Examples: Those are the students’ books. The boys’ parents gave them permission to go. The zookeepers threw food into the lions’ cage. The Joneses’ dog ran away. (If someone’s name – like Jones - ends in s, -es must be added for the plural.)

Apostrophe Catastropes Do NOT use apostrophes to: Make names plural Incorrect: The Wilson’s are coming over. Correct: The Wilsons are coming over. Make regular nouns plural with a “s” Incorrect: Apostrophe’s are confusing. Correct: Apostrophes are confusing. Incorrect: We’ve had many happy Christmas’s. Correct: We’ve had many happy Christmases.

Practice Create a contraction and use the apostrophe correctly. __________ be ready in a few minutes. (we will) I hope __________ pleased with her gift. (she is) Add apostrophes where they are needed. 3. Angie’s os and as look very much alike. 4. There are two 6s in the equation.

More Practice Add apostrophes and s’s as necessary. 5. Have you seen Tonis new car? 6. The childrens playroom was a mess. 7. The two doctors opinions differed. 8. That is the princess dress. 9. For all of the neighbors sake, please be quiet. 10. I accidentally grabbed someone elses jacket.

Answers We’ll be ready in a few minutes. I hope she’s pleased with her gift. Angie’s o’s and a’s look very much alike. There are two 6’s in the equation. Have you seen Toni’s new car? The children’s playroom was a mess. The two doctors’ opinions differed. That is the princess’s dress. For all of the neighbors’ sake, please be quiet. I accidentally grabbed someone else’s jacket.