1. For contractions and possessives
the mighty Apostrophe
For contractions and possessives

2. A clown’s outfit can’t help but stand out in a crowd.
Apostrophe
There are two different uses of the apostrophe.
contractions
possession (or ownership)
A clown’s outfit can’t help but stand out in a crowd.

3. Do Not Use The Apostrophe
TO MAKE WORDS PLURAL
Ex: the kid’s are playing
Ex: The girl’s wanted some new ring tone’s for their phones.

4. 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

5. It`s too late to watch the new cowboy songs were popular.
Contractions
It`s too late to watch the new
movie.
(It is too late.)
Note:
The word it’s
has two meanings.
It`s been years since
cowboy songs were popular.
(It has been years.)
It is OR
It has

6. Understanding Contractions
You MUST put the apostrophe where the letters are missing.
INCORRECT:
They do’nt drive the same type of car as your cousin does.
CORRECT:
They don’t drive the same type of car as your cousin does.
The apostrophe shows the “o” has been left out.

7. Special Situation The combination will + not = won’t
This is an unusual contraction.
She won’t be distracted while doing yoga.

8. Words Confused- don’t get tricked!
Don’t confuse certain tricky contractions with their possessive homophones!
Contractions
Possessive Words
they’re= they are
it’s=it is or it has
you’re=you are
who’s=who is
their
its
your
whose

9. Do Not Use The Apostrophe
TO MAKE WORDS PLURAL
Ex: the kid’s are playing
Ex: The girl’s wanted some new ring tone’s for their phones.

12. Use an apostrophe to show ownership.
Possessives
Use an apostrophe to show ownership.
The woman’s cell phone
The girls’ flowers

13. Singular Nouns A doctor’s work is never done.
Use the apostrophe and an - s to form the possessive case.
A doctor’s work is never done.
Dr. Madison took the patient’s medical history.

14. Singular Nouns
For singular nouns ending in -s, it is acceptable to form the possessive by adding only an apostrophe.
Everyone cheered as Brian Jones’ quick thinking helped them win the game.

15. Plural Nouns
Form the possessive of plural nouns by adding only an apostrophe– AFTER THE S.
For collective nouns (nouns that represent plurals but do not end in s, like women or children) add an ‘s
The players’ jerseys have just arrived.
Men’s clothing often indicates their profession.

16. Nouns…not Pronouns
Apostrophes make NOUNS possessive– but do not add them to possessive pronouns.
We don’t want these seats, we want theirs’ instead. x x
Ben found the solution, ask if you can see his’ answer. x
Lisa is drafting her essay but our’s are already done.

17. SUM IT UP Nouns that do not end in -s become possessive by adding ‘s
Nouns that end in –s become possessive by adding just the ‘
The apostrophe in a contraction goes where the letters are missing.

18. Do Not Use The Apostrophe
TO MAKE WORDS PLURAL
Ex: the kid’s are playing
Ex: The girl’s wanted some new ring tone’s for their phones.

19. Apostrophe Practice Review
Correct or incorrect?
Children and adults throughout the world celebrate a variety of holidays.
Correct

20. Apostrophe Practice Review
Correct or incorrect?
American towns display fireworks as a highlight of patriotic celebrations.
Correct

21. Apostrophe Practice Review
Correct or incorrect?
My fathers biggest barbecue is held on the Fourth of July.
Incorrect:
father’s

22. Apostrophe Practice Review
Correct or incorrect?
The United States postal service distributed a stamp commemorating Mexicos Cinco de Mayo.
Incorrect:
Mexico’s

23. Apostrophe Practice Review
Correct or incorrect?
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

24. Apostrophe Practice Review
Correct or incorrect?
Saint James Day is a festive day in Spain.
Incorrect:
James’

25. Apostrophe Practice Review
Correct or incorrect?
Christmas Eve and its traditional meal of seven fishes has a basis in Germany and Italy.
Correct

26. Apostrophe Practice Review
Correct or incorrect?
Germanys and Italys religious celebrations are sometimes similar, even when it comes to food.
Incorrect:
Germany’s/
Italy’s

27. Apostrophe Practice Review
Correct or incorrect?
In the 1970s, people did not decorate their homes for holidays, such as Saint Patricks Day and Halloween, to the extent that they do today.
Incorrect:
Patrick’s

28. Do Not Use The Apostrophe
TO MAKE WORDS PLURAL
Ex: the kid’s are playing
Ex: The girl’s wanted some new ring tone’s for their phones.