Transcript Apostrophes How and when to use them What is an apostrophe? • It looks like a comma – ‘ – but we place.

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)
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
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•
•
•
•
•
You are - ?
Will not - ?
I would - ?
I had - ?
We have - ?
I shall not - ?
Test Yourself
• Shes got her mothers good looks,
hasnt she?
• Its the princesss birthday today, isnt
it?
• The womens Keep Fit Class opens
today.
Homework
• 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.