Transcript Using Apostrophes - Lincoln University

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USING APOSTROPHES
CONTRACTIONS AND POSSESSIVES:
How to Hit the Target Every Time!
Why Bother?
We awoke to the smell of
grandmothers cooking.
We awoke to the smell of
grandmother’s cooking.
Using Apostrophes
’
There are two uses for apostrophes.
1. To form contractions.

do + not = don’t
2. To show possession or ownership.
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Jean’s essay was good.
1. Forming Contractions
I + am = I’m
 could + not = couldn’t
REMEMBER: The apostrophe marks the
location of the missing letter! Don’t put
it in the wrong place!

could’nt
couldn’t
Contractions and Formal Writing
Do not use contractions in formal writing.
Always write the words out.
Informal:
Experts don’t agree on why people can’t
seem to stick to their diets.
Formal:
Experts do not agree on why people
cannot seem to stick to their diets.
2a. Showing Possession
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Singular
•
•
•
the hat belonging to the girl = the girl’s
hat
the coat belonging to the boy = the boy’s
coat
the title belonging to the book = the
book’s title
REMEMBER: You need to add both the
apostrophe ' and the s
Tip!

Even when a singular noun already
ends in -s, you must still add an
apostrophe and an -s to form the
possessive.
•
The class’s test scores were high.
•
Oscar Lewis’s article was interesting, but
I disagree with much of what he said.
Singular Possessive

Lincoln Universities mascot is the lion.
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Lincoln University’s mascot is the lion.
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My next clients appointment is at 1:00.
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My next client’s appointment is at 1:00.
2b. Showing Possession
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Plural
Form the possessive of plural nouns,
including plural names, by adding just an
apostrophe. No additional -s is needed after
the apostrophe, because the plural noun
already ends in an -s.
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The five dogs’ water dishes were all empty.
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The Stengles’ car is a Subaru.
Plural Possessive
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All three agencies directors are coming.
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All three agencies’ directors are coming.
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Those students excuses are unbelievable.
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Those students’ excuses are unbelievable.
Here’s the Common Mistake!!

Don’t make a word possessive when it
really is just a plain old plural.
plain old plural
The students’X did well.
The students’ success was well
deserved.
possessive
Another Tip!
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You don’t always need an apostrophe to show
possession. Personal pronouns do NOT use
apostrophes to show possession, only to
make contractions.

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The dog wagged its tail. (“its” is a personal
pronoun meaning “belonging to it”)
It’s really happy today. (“it’s” is a contraction for
“it is”)
Personal Pronouns
Let’s practice!
 Whose on first base?
 Who’s on first base?
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Their presentation was the best.
They’re presentation was the best.
Using Apostrophes

That’s all there is to know
about apostrophes, so we
have come to…
…the Lessons End
…oops, I meant…
THE LESSON’S END!