The Apostrophe

1. Chapter Ten The Apostrophe

2. Apostrophe • There are two different uses of the apostrophe. • Use the apostrophe with a contraction, a shortened form of a word. • Use the apostrophe to show ownership or possession. • A cowboy’s outfit can’t help but stand out in a crowd.

3. Contractions • When two words are combined to make one word, an apostrophe is used to showwhere letters have been omitted. This is called a contraction. • Contractions are reserved for informal occasions. I + have = I’ve did + not = didn’t let + us = let’s

4. Contractions It`s too late to watch a cowboy movie. (It is too late.) Note: The word it’s has two meanings. It`s been years since cowboy songs were popular. (It has been years.) It is OR It has

5. Understanding Contractions • You MUST put the apostrophe where the letters are missing. • INCORRECT: • Cowboys do’nt ride on the same type of saddles as your cousin does. • Correct: • Cowboysdon’t ride on the same type of saddles as your cousin does. The apostrophe shows the “o” has been left out.

6. Special Situation The combinationwill + not =won’t This is an unusual contraction. Many mothers won’t let their sons become cowboys.

7. they’re= they are their=belonging to them it’s=it is or it has its=belonging to it you’re=you are your=belonging to you who’s=who is whose=belonging to whom Four Special Contractions Don’t confuse certain tricky contractions with similar sounding possessive words! Contractions Possessive Words

8. Singular Nouns • Use the apostrophe and an - s to form the possessive case. • A cowboy’s work is never done. • Frederic Remington’s art reflected the spirit of the wild west.

9. Do Not Use The Apostrophe • Plurals are formed simply by adding an -s. Don’t use an apostrophe to form a plural! • Ted’s ropes are in the car. • Ted’s has an apostrophe, since it shows ownership. Ropes doesn’t, because it is just a plural.

10. Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.). • Children and adults throughout the world celebrate a variety of holidays. Correct

11. Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.). • American towns display fireworks as a highlight of patriotic celebrations. Correct

12. Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.). • My fathers biggest barbecue is held on the Fourth of July. Incorrect: father’s

13. Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.). The United States postal service distributed a stamp commemorating Mexicos Cinco de Mayo. Incorrect: Mexico’s

14. Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.). Many countries celebrate religious events as national holidays. NOTE: Countries is the plural form of country. Our country’s most popular holiday is Christmas. Correct

15. Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.). Saint James Day is a festive day in Spain. Incorrect: James’

16. Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.). Germanys and Italys religious celebrations are sometimes similar, even when it comes to food. Incorrect: Germany’s/ Italy’s