1. Chapter Ten
The Apostrophe

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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.)

5. 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.

6. Special Situation The combination will + not = won’t
This is an unusual contraction.
Many mothers won’t let their sons become cowboys.

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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

11. Apostrophe Practice Review
Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.).
American towns display fireworks as a highlight of patriotic celebrations.
Correct

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. Apostrophe Practice Review
Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.).
Saint James Day is a festive day in Spain.
Incorrect:
James’

16. 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