Mastering Apostrophes: Possessive and Contractions Explained
Introduction
Apostrophes play a significant role in English grammar, serving two primary functions: indicating possession and creating contractions. However, many students and writers face challenges in using apostrophes correctly. This comprehensive study module will guide you through the rules, applications, and common errors associated with apostrophes. By the end of this module, you will have a clear understanding of how to use apostrophes for possessive nouns and contractions, improving your grammar and writing skills.
What is an Apostrophe?
An apostrophe (‘) is a punctuation mark used for:
- Showing possession.
- Forming contractions by replacing omitted letters or numbers.
Apostrophes for Possession
The apostrophe is used to show that something belongs to someone or something. This is known as possessive apostrophe.
1. Singular Possessive (One Owner)
- Rule: Add an apostrophe + “s” to the noun to show possession.
- Example: Sarah’s book is on the table.
- Explanation: The book belongs to Sarah, so we add an apostrophe and “s” to indicate possession.
2. Plural Possessive (More than One Owner)
- Rule: For plural nouns that end in “s,” add only an apostrophe after the “s.”
- Example: The teachers’ lounge is located on the second floor.
- Explanation: The lounge belongs to multiple teachers, so we add only an apostrophe after the “s.”
3. Irregular Plural Possessive (Irregular Plurals)
- Rule: For plural nouns that do not end in “s,” add an apostrophe + “s.”
- Example: The children’s toys were scattered across the floor.
- Explanation: “Children” is an irregular plural, so we add “’s” to show possession.
Apostrophes for Contractions
An apostrophe is used to indicate missing letters in contractions, making the phrase shorter and more casual.
1. Common Contractions
- Rule: Replace omitted letters with an apostrophe.
- Examples:
- Don’t (Do not)
- I’m (I am)
- It’s (It is)
- Can’t (Cannot)
- Explanation: The apostrophe shows where letters have been omitted in the contraction.
2. Special Contractions with Numbers
- Rule: Use an apostrophe to replace the century or decade abbreviation.
- Example: The ’80s were filled with musical innovation.
- Explanation: The apostrophe replaces the “19” in the decade “1980s.”
Common Errors with Apostrophes
Even though apostrophes seem simple, common errors can easily arise in their use.
1. Confusing Possessive and Plural Forms
- Mistake: The dog’s are cute.
- Corrected: The dogs are cute.
- Explanation: “Dogs” is plural, not possessive, so no apostrophe is needed.
2. Using Apostrophes for Plurals
- Mistake: I have two cat’s.
- Corrected: I have two cats.
- Explanation: Apostrophes are not used for plural nouns, only for possessive ones.
3. Confusing Its and It’s
- Mistake: Its raining outside.
- Corrected: It’s raining outside.
- Explanation: “It’s” is a contraction of “it is,” while “its” is possessive.
4. Using Apostrophes in Possessive Pronouns
- Mistake: This is your’s.
- Corrected: This is yours.
- Explanation: Possessive pronouns like “yours” do not take apostrophes.
Examples of Apostrophes in Sentences
- Possessive: The cat’s tail was long and fluffy. (The tail belongs to the cat.)
- Contraction: He can’t find his keys. (Cannot find his keys.)
- Plural Possessive: The children’s playground is fun. (The playground belongs to the children.)
- Irregular Plural Possessive: The women’s clothing store is on the corner. (The store belongs to the women.)
- Common Contraction: They’re going to the party tonight. (They are going to the party.)
Practice Section: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Which sentence uses an apostrophe correctly?
- a) Its a beautiful day.
- b) The cat’s whiskers are long.
- c) The dogs tail was wagging.
- d) The books cover is torn.
Answer: b) The cat’s whiskers are long.
Explanation: The apostrophe is correctly used to show possession.
2. What is the correct form for showing possession for the plural noun “dogs”?
- a) Dogs’s
- b) Dogs’
- c) Dogs
- d) Dog’s
Answer: b) Dogs’
Explanation: For plural nouns ending in “s,” only an apostrophe is added after the “s.”
3. Which of the following sentences is incorrect?
- a) She’s going to the park.
- b) It’s raining outside.
- c) The dog’s are barking.
- d) We’re going to the movies.
Answer: c) The dog’s are barking.
Explanation: “Dog’s” should not be used for the plural form, it should be The dogs are barking.
4. Which contraction is correctly formed?
- a) Could’nt
- b) I’m
- c) Wont
- d) Does’nt
Answer: b) I’m
Explanation: “I’m” is the correct contraction for “I am.”
5. How should you write the possessive form of “children”?
- a) Children’s
- b) Children’
- c) Childrens
- d) Children’s
Answer: d) Children’s
Explanation: The apostrophe and “s” are used to show possession.
6. Which of the following sentences does NOT require an apostrophe?
- a) I can’t find my keys.
- b) The teacher’s lesson was interesting.
- c) I have two cat’s.
- d) The dog’s tail is fluffy.
Answer: c) I have two cat’s.
Explanation: The plural form “cats” does not require an apostrophe.
7. Which is the correct possessive form of the plural noun “teachers”?
- a) Teachers’
- b) Teacher’s
- c) Teachers’s
- d) Teachers
Answer: a) Teachers’
Explanation: The possessive form of plural nouns ending in “s” only requires an apostrophe.
8. Which sentence uses an apostrophe to form a contraction correctly?
- a) Theyre coming over later.
- b) He didnt go to the meeting.
- c) She’s been working hard.
- d) Ive already finished.
Answer: c) She’s been working hard.
Explanation: “She’s” is the correct contraction for “She has.”
9. What is the correct use of an apostrophe in this sentence?
- a) The cars are fast.
- b) The car’s are fast.
- c) The car’s are faster than the trucks.
- d) The cars’s are fast.
Answer: a) The cars are fast.
Explanation: This is simply a plural form, so no apostrophe is needed.
10. Which of the following is incorrect?
- a) The teacher’s book is on the desk.
- b) The teachers books are on the desk.
- c) The teacher’s are on the desk.
- d) The teacher’s class is starting.
Answer: c) The teacher’s are on the desk.
Explanation: The correct sentence is “The teachers are on the desk” if you mean more than one teacher.
Descriptive Questions and Answers
1. Explain the difference between possessive and plural nouns and give examples.
Answer:
A possessive noun shows ownership or belonging, whereas a plural noun simply indicates more than one.
- Example of Possessive: John’s car (The car belongs to John)
- Example of Plural: Dogs (More than one dog)
- Possessive Plural: The dogs’ collars (Collars belonging to multiple dogs)
2. Describe the rules for using apostrophes in contractions. Provide five examples.
Answer:
An apostrophe in contractions replaces omitted letters or numbers to shorten the expression.
- Examples:
- I’m (I am)
- Don’t (Do not)
- Can’t (Cannot)
- It’s (It is)
- We’ve (We have)
3. Explain how apostrophes are used with irregular plural nouns.
Answer:
For irregular plural nouns that don’t end in “s,” the apostrophe + “s” is added to show possession.
- Example: The children’s toys (The toys belonging to the children)
- Explanation: “Children” is irregular, so we add “‘s” to form the possessive.
4. What is the importance of the apostrophe in showing possession?
Answer:
The apostrophe helps distinguish between a plural form and possession. Without it, the meaning of a sentence could be unclear.
- Example:
- The dog’s bone (The bone belonging to the dog)
- The dogs are barking (Plural dogs, no possession)
5. Provide examples of common mistakes with apostrophes and how to avoid them.
Answer:
Common mistakes include confusing possessives with plurals and incorrect contractions.
- Incorrect: The dog’s are barking. (Should be: The dogs are barking.)
- Explanation: Apostrophes should only be used for possession or contractions.
