Definitions and Rules
Apostrophes
Apostrophes are used in writing to show possession, indicate contractions, and signify omitted letters!
Write this sentence with contractions:
I am a student and she is a teacher.
I'm a student and she's a teacher.
She is a well known author in the literary community.
She is a well-known author in the literary community.
Turn this into a contraction: You Will
You'll
The dog chased __ (its/it's) tail.
The dog chased its tail.
Hyphens
Hyphens are punctuation marks used especially to divide or to compound words, word elements, or numbers.
Write this sentence with contractions:
My family is coming but they are running late.
My family's coming but they're running late.
The company charges itself on producing high quality products.
The company charges itself on producing high-quality products.
Turn this into a contraction:
That Would
That'd
I can see that ___ (your/you're) tired.
I can see that you're tired.
Contractions
What is the combination of two words where some letters are omitted?
Rewrite with the correct possessive form:
The babies cries were very loud.
The babies' cries were very loud.
The event will take place on the twenty first of May.
The event will take place on the twenty-first of May.
Turn this into a contraction
That has
That's
There are so many ___ (books/book's) in the library.
There are so many books in the library.
True or False: When using a possessive pronoun, you must use an apostrophe.
False
Possessive pronouns never use apostrophes.
Rewrite with the correct possessive form:
Your uncles daughters nephews are great people.
Your uncle's daughter's nephews are great people.
or
Your uncles' daughters' nephews are great people. (if talking about multiple uncles)
An individual's self esteem is crucial for mental well being.
An individual's self-esteem is crucial for mental well-being.
Turn this into a contraction:
Why Would
Why'd
Jane brought twenty two balloons to the party.
Jane brought twenty-two balloons to the party.
False - you still use an apostrophe.
Ex)This was my dad's.
Rewrite with the correct possessive form:
Everyone thinks the Black Key's are the best band, but I prefer The Door's.
Everyone thinks the Black Keys are the best band, but I prefer The Doors.
The Great Wall of China looks so beautiful in person.
The Great Wall of China looks so beautiful in person.
Turn this into a contraction:
What are
What're
I need to buy apples–bananas, and oranges.
I need to buy apples, bananas, and oranges.