1. Can you select the correct answer?
Apostrophes Pre-test
Can you select the correct answer?

2. Apostrophes: The Basic Rule
First determine if the item is singular (one) or plural (more than one).
To show possession, apply the rule:
-singular: ’s
-plural: s’

3. The (book’s, books’) cover is torn
The (book’s, books’) cover is torn. I may receive a fine when I return it to the library.

4. The (Wilson’s house, Wilsons’ house) is located at the end of Cherry Blossom Lane.

5. The woman sought out three (doctor’s, doctors’) opinions before she chose a treatment plan for her advanced cancer.

6. What should we choose as the (team’s, teams’) mascot
What should we choose as the (team’s, teams’) mascot? Jennifer wants a hawk, but I prefer a knight.

7. The two (teachers, teachers’) classes all followed the same theme.

8. Add an apostrophe s to plural nouns that do not end in “s.”
The Exceptions
Add an apostrophe s to plural nouns that do not end in “s.”
man man’s men men’s
woman woman’s women women’s
child child’s children children’s

9. The (childrens, children’s, childrens’) playroom was left a mess, with toys and games strewn all over the floor.

10. What do you do with…
If a singular noun ends in s, z, x, ch, or sh, add an apostrophe and an “s,” unless the word has more than two syllables.
ex. Charles’s, Thomas’s, princess’s, box’s, church’s
ex. Mercedes’, Ulysses’ (more than two syllables)

11. What do you do with…
When a singular noun ends in s, z, x, ch, or sh, add an “es” to make it plural, and then add an apostrophe.
ex.  Joneses’ vacation house
ex. Schwartzes’ holiday decorations
ex. Churches’ sports equipment