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Apostrophes

Apostrophes are used for showing possession and showing short form. They are not used to show plurals.

A couple have just toasted each other resulting in their glasses braking. The man’s beer is on the woman’s clothes.

They’re drinking beer. Peter’s beer is on Susan. Susan’s beer is flying.

Apostrophes are used for:
Showing possession . . .
• Greta’s book.
(Greta has a book)
• The actress’ best film.
(The best film of the actress. Also, note that if the word ends in –s then no additional –s after the apostrophe)

Showing short form . . . (it’s, can’t, haven’t, etc)
• It’s my car.
(It is my car)
• I haven’t been to Indonesia yet.
(I have not been to Indonesia yet)

Plurals don’t have apostrophes.
Cats, Dogs, Oranges, ABCs. NOT Cat’s, Dog’s, Orange’s, ABC’s.

Showing the possessive form of plural nouns that end with -s:
• The heroes’ problems.
(Many heroes have problems)

Also, no apostrophes with my, your, his, her, its, our or their.
• Shall we take yours or theirs? NOT Shall we take your’s or their’s?
• Our hotel room is next to theirs. NOT Our hotel room is next to their’s hotel room.

Remember: Have an apostrophe.

  • Exercise 1

    Remember: Have an apostrophe.

    Re-write the sentences CAREFULLY and add an apostrophe to the words in bold.

    Remember: Have an apostrophe.

    Re-write the sentences CAREFULLY and add an apostrophe to the words in bold.

    Exercise 2

    Use either the singular, plural, short form or possessive form of the words in brackets to complete the sentences.

    Example

    That is my ___ hat. (father)

    Answer

    That is my father’s hat. (father)

    Use either the singular, plural, short form or possessive form of the words in brackets to complete the sentences.

    Example
    That is my ___ hat. (father)

    Answer
    That is my father’s hat. (father)

    Exercise 3

    Are these sentences correct or wrong?

    Use either the singular, plural, short form or possessive form of the words in brackets to complete the sentences.

    Example
    That is my ___ hat. (father)

    Answer
    That is my father’s hat. (father)

  • Remember: Have an apostrophe.

    My friend’s rabbits.

     A man is lying on the ground covered with rabbits.

  • Remember: Have an apostrophe.

    Osaka’s amazing water technology

  • Its or it’s?
    It is Gary’s website. It’s his website. It’s is not possessive. (3:15)

    Vocabulary Video Lesson: The Brain
    This vocabulary lesson will help you define brain box, grey matter, bird-brain, brainwave, brain damage, brain teaser, dementia and psychologist. (8:00)