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Apostrophes Simplified
Apostrophes Simplified
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Uses of the Apostrophe
1. To show possession.
2. To show that a letter is missing.
3. To show, in some cases, that a word is
plural.
1. SHOWING POSSESSION
Showing Possession
When it is clear that a word is possessive, then
an apostrophe is required, as in the following
sentences:
Clearly, the room belongs to either one boy, or to two boys. Since there are no
context clues, it is impossible to know precisely which. An apostrophe will clarify
the meaning.
If the room belongs to one boy, then the apostrophe goes after the singular word
boy.
If the room is shared by two or more boys, the apostrophe goes after the plural
word boys.
As you can see, it is now clear how many boys own the room.
What’s the difference?
I like James and Ted’s project.
I like James’s and Ted’s projects.
1. one project
2. Two projects
What’s the difference?
My mother-in-law’s purse is on the table.
Our mothers-in-law’s visits are always full of tension..
1. singular
2. plural
Brief Review:
and so on.
3. Showing Plurals
Showing Plurals
letters
Numerals
Abbreviations
During the 1960s, I lived in Ontario.
I got straight A’s in all subjects.
PHD’s are necessary to acquire for physicians.
No’s / yes’s
Uses of the Apostrophe
You now know all you need to about the uses of the
apostrophe.
The
End