1. ApostrophesApostrophes How and when to use them

2. What is an apostrophe? It looks like a comma – ‘ – but we place it above the line of writing. It takes up the space of a letter. It is used for various reasons.

3. Why do we use them? To show who owns what (possession) –This is Jane’s cat. To fill in for missing letters (contractions) –She’s gone to the cinema with her friends.

4. Contractions When two words are joined together in a shorter form. The apostrophe takes the place of the missing letter(s). –I am (I’m) –They are (They’re) –Do not (don’t) –You are (you’re)

5. Be careful! Don’t confuse its and it’s –its (possessive – its edges were sharp) –it’s (it is, it has) Whose and who’s –Whose book is this? –Who’s coming to dinner?

6. Test Yourself You are - (You are lovely.) Will not - (I will not go.) I would - (I would love to go.) I had - (I had a great time.) We have - (We have lost the cat!) I shall not - (I shall not go there!)

7. Apostrophes to show belonging Harry’s cat (The cat belonging to Harry.) The dog’s tail (The tail belonging to the dog.) My brother’s friends (The friends of my brother.)

8. Test Yourself Shes got her mothers good looks, hasnt she? She’s got her mother’s good looks, hasn’t she? Its the princesss birthday today, isnt it? It’s the princess’ birthday today, isn’t it?

9. To show belonging to more than one… If there is more than one owner, the apostrophe goes after the plural s. The boys’ computers. The dogs’ tails. The pubs’ glasses. The birds’ songs.

10. To show belonging to more than one… If the word already means more than one, or a group, then the apostrophe returns to before the plural s. The children’s playgrounds were flooded. The old people’s home was wonderful! The men’s club was oversubscribed. Paul and Emma’s party was great fun!

11. Can you… find some examples of the misuse of apostrophes:- –many people put an apostrophe when they just need to add an ‘s’ to make a plural. –e.g. PC’s, 1940’s, CD’s You only use an apostrophe to show possession or that you have missed out some letters.