Transcript Apostrophes
Apostrophes How and when to use them What is an apostrophe? • It looks like a comma – ‘ – but we place it above the line of writing. • It takes up the space of a letter. • It is used for various reasons. Why do we use them? • To show who owns what (possession) – This is Jane’s cat. • To fill in for missing letters (contractions) – She’s gone to the cinema with her friends. Contractions • When two words are joined together in a shorter form. • The apostrophe takes the place of the missing letter(s). – – – – I am (I’m) They are (They’re) Do not (don’t) You are (you’re) Be careful! • Don’t confuse its and it’s – its (possessive – its edges were sharp) – it’s (it is, it has) • Whose and who’s – Whose book is this? – Who’s coming to dinner? Test Yourself • • • • • • You are (You are lovely.) Will not (I will not go.) I would (I would love to go.) I had (I had a great time.) We have - (We have lost the cat!) I shall not - (I shall not go there!) Apostrophes to show belonging • Harry’s cat (The cat belonging to Harry.) • The dog’s tail (The tail belonging to the dog.) • My brother’s friends (The friends of my brother.) Test Yourself • Shes got her mothers good looks, hasnt she? • She’s got her mother’s good looks, hasn’t she? • Its the princesss birthday today, isnt it? • It’s the princess’ birthday today, isn’t it? To show belonging to more than one… • If there is more than one owner, the apostrophe goes after the plural s. • The boys’ computers. • The dogs’ tails. • The pubs’ glasses. • The birds’ songs. To show belonging to more than one… • If the word already means more than one, or a group, then the apostrophe returns to before the plural s. • The children’s playgrounds were flooded. • The old people’s home was wonderful! • The men’s club was oversubscribed. • Paul and Emma’s party was great fun! Can you… • find some examples of the misuse of apostrophes:– many people put an apostrophe when they just need to add an ‘s’ to make a plural. – e.g. PC’s, 1940’s, CD’s • You only use an apostrophe to show possession or that you have missed out some letters.