The Mighty Apostrophe The apostrophe has 2 functions

The Mighty Apostrophe

The apostrophe has 2 functions 1. To replace missing letters in contractions. 2. To show that something belongs to someone. (possession)

Contractions

I am I’m

We are We’re

He is He’s

Now try contracting these words. • Can not • She had • They are • He will • We have • Can’t • She’d • They’re • He’ll • We’ve

Apostrophes How and when to use them

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.

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.

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)

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? (possessive – what belongs to someone) – Who’s coming to dinner (who is, who has)

Test Yourself • • • You are - ? Will not - ? I would - ? I had - ? We have - ? I shall not - ?

• 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.