© 2002 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. English Brushup, 3E John Langan Apostrophe Chapter Nine

Apostrophe © 2002 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. English Brushup, 3E apostrophe.There are two different uses of the apostrophe. contractionUse the apostrophe with a contraction, a shortened form of a word. possessionUse the apostrophe to show ownership or possession. A cowboy’s outfit can’t help but stand out in a crowd.A cowboy’s outfit can’t help but stand out in a crowd. Apostrophe

© 2002 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. English Brushup, 3E Contractions When two words are combined to make one word, an apostrophe is used to show where 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

Apostrophe © 2002 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. English Brushup, 3E Note: The word it’s has two meanings. Note: The word it’s has two meanings. It is OR It has It is OR It has It`s too late to watch a cowboy movie. (It is too late.) It`s too late to watch a cowboy movie. (It is too late.) It`s been years since cowboy songs were popular. (It has been years.) It`s been years since cowboy songs were popular. (It has been years.) Contractions

Apostrophe © 2002 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. English Brushup, 3E You MUST put the apostrophe where the letters are missing. INCORRECT:INCORRECT: do’nt –Cowboys do’nt ride on the same type of saddles as your cousin does. Correct:Correct: don’t –Cowboys don’t ride on the same type of saddles as your cousin does. o” The apostrophe shows the “o” has been left out. Understanding Contractions

Apostrophe © 2002 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. English Brushup, 3E Special Situation will + not = won’t The combination will + not = won’t This is an unusual contraction. will + not = won’t The combination will + not = won’t This is an unusual contraction. Many mothers won’t let their sons become cowboys.

Apostrophe © 2002 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. English Brushup, 3E Four Special Contractions they’re= they are it’s=it is or it has you’re=you are who’s=who is their=belonging to them its=belonging to it your=belonging to you whose=belonging to whom ContractionsPossessive Words Don’t confuse certain tricky contractions with similar sounding possessive words!

Apostrophe © 2002 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. English Brushup, 3E 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.

Apostrophe © 2002 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. English Brushup, 3E 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.

Apostrophe © 2002 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. English Brushup, 3E Children and adults throughout the world celebrate a variety of holidays. Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.). Correct Apostrophe Practice Review

Apostrophe © 2002 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. English Brushup, 3E American towns display fireworks as a highlight of patriotic celebrations. Correct Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.).

Apostrophe © 2002 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. English Brushup, 3E My fathers biggest barbecue is held on the Fourth of July. Incorrect: father’s Incorrect: father’s Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.).

Apostrophe © 2002 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. English Brushup, 3E The United States postal service distributed a stamp commemorating Mexicos Cinco de Mayo. Incorrect: Mexico’s Incorrect: Mexico’s Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.).

Apostrophe © 2002 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. English Brushup, 3E 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 Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.).

Apostrophe © 2002 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. English Brushup, 3E Saint James Day is a festive day in Spain. Incorrect: James’ Incorrect: James’ Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.).

Apostrophe © 2002 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. English Brushup, 3E Germanys and Italys religious celebrations are sometimes similar, even when it comes to food. Incorrect: Germany’s/ Italy’s Incorrect: Germany’s/ Italy’s Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.).