Chapter Ten The Apostrophe
Apostrophe There are two different uses of the apostrophe. Use the apostrophe with a contraction, a shortened form of a word. Use the apostrophe to show ownership or possession. A cowboy’s outfit can’t help but stand out in a crowd.
Contractions When two words are combined to make one word, an apostrophe is used to show where letters have been omitted. This is called a contraction. Contractions are reserved for informal occasions. I + have = I’ve did + not = didn’t let + us = let’s
cowboy songs were popular. Contractions It`s too late to watch a cowboy movie. (It is too late.) Note: The word it’s has two meanings. It is OR It has It`s been years since cowboy songs were popular. (It has been years.)
Understanding Contractions You MUST put the apostrophe where the letters are missing. INCORRECT: Cowboys do’nt ride on the same type of saddles as your cousin does. Correct: Cowboys don’t ride on the same type of saddles as your cousin does. The apostrophe shows the “o” has been left out.
Special Situation The combination will + not = won’t This is an unusual contraction. Many mothers won’t let their sons become cowboys.
Four Special Contractions Don’t confuse certain tricky contractions with similar sounding possessive words! Contractions Possessive Words they’re= they are it’s=it is or it has you’re=you are who’s=who is their=belonging to them its=belonging to it your=belonging to you whose=belonging to whom
Singular Nouns Use the apostrophe and an - s to form the possessive case. A cowboy’s work is never done. Frederic Remington’s art reflected the spirit of the wild west.
Do Not Use The Apostrophe Plurals are formed simply by adding an -s. Don’t use an apostrophe to form a plural! Ted’s ropes are in the car. Ted’s has an apostrophe, since it shows ownership. Ropes doesn’t, because it is just a plural.
Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.). Children and adults throughout the world celebrate a variety of holidays. Correct
Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.). American towns display fireworks as a highlight of patriotic celebrations. Correct
Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.). My fathers biggest barbecue is held on the Fourth of July. Incorrect: father’s
Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.). The United States postal service distributed a stamp commemorating Mexicos Cinco de Mayo. Incorrect: Mexico’s
Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.). Many countries celebrate religious events as national holidays. NOTE: Countries is the plural form of country. Our country’s most popular holiday is Christmas. Correct
Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.). Saint James Day is a festive day in Spain. Incorrect: James’
Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.). Germanys and Italys religious celebrations are sometimes similar, even when it comes to food. Incorrect: Germany’s/ Italy’s