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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the possessive apostrophe?
What is the primary function of the possessive apostrophe?
In the sentence 'The dogs' toys', what does the apostrophe indicate?
In the sentence 'The dogs' toys', what does the apostrophe indicate?
How do you form a plural possessive noun?
How do you form a plural possessive noun?
What is an exception to the rule of not using an apostrophe to form plural nouns?
What is an exception to the rule of not using an apostrophe to form plural nouns?
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What is the function of an apostrophe in a contraction, such as 'can't'?
What is the function of an apostrophe in a contraction, such as 'can't'?
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The contraction 'it's' can be used to show possession.
The contraction 'it's' can be used to show possession.
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The possessive pronoun 'hers' is formed using an apostrophe.
The possessive pronoun 'hers' is formed using an apostrophe.
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An apostrophe is used to indicate the omission of one or more letters in the contraction 'won't'.
An apostrophe is used to indicate the omission of one or more letters in the contraction 'won't'.
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The plural possessive form of a noun is formed by adding an apostrophe before the -s.
The plural possessive form of a noun is formed by adding an apostrophe before the -s.
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The apostrophe in 'cat's toy' indicates that the toy belongs to multiple cats.
The apostrophe in 'cat's toy' indicates that the toy belongs to multiple cats.
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Study Notes
Possessive Apostrophe
- Used to show possession or ownership
- Placed after the possessor (the noun that owns something)
- Can be used with singular or plural nouns
- Examples:
- Singular: The cat's toy (the toy belongs to the cat)
- Plural: The dogs' toys (the toys belong to the dogs)
Apostrophe In Contractions
- Used to indicate omitted letters or sounds in a contraction
- Replaces the omitted letters or sounds
- Examples:
- don't (do not)
- won't (will not)
- can't (cannot)
Plural Possessive Nouns
- Formed by adding 's to the plural noun
- Examples:
- The cats' toys (the toys belong to multiple cats)
- The children's books (the books belong to multiple children)
Apostrophe In Plural Nouns
- Not used to form plural nouns (except for ancient or irregular plurals)
- Examples:
- Incorrect: The apple's (plural of apple)
- Correct: The apples (plural of apple)
- Exception: The data's (ancient plural, but not commonly used)
Note: Ancient or irregular plurals are exceptions, such as data, media, and criteria. These words are often treated as singular nouns, but can be used as plural nouns with an apostrophe. However, this usage is not commonly accepted in modern English.
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Description
Test your understanding of apostrophe usage in English grammar, including possessive apostrophes, contractions, and plural nouns. Learn when to add 's to form possessive nouns and when to avoid it in plural nouns.
