English 102 - Apostrophes and Possession

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is the correct possessive form of the singular noun 'teacher'?

Teacheres'

Teachers'

Teacher's (correct)

Teacherses'

What is the correct possessive form of the plural noun 'children'?

Childrens

Childrens'

Children's (correct)

Childrens's

Which of the following is the correct possessive form of the singular noun 'boss'?

Boss's (correct)

Bosses's

Bosss'

Bosses'

Identify the correct possessive form of the plural noun 'mice'?

Mice's (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence demonstrates the correct use of the possessive form with a family name?

The Smiths' dog is very well trained. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a correctly formed possessive noun?

Those are the boys' hats. (A), The doctors' schedules are very full. (B), The woman's car was parked at the curb. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences correctly uses an apostrophe to show possession?

The Smiths' dog is very well trained. (B), The boys' bikes were in the garage. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Choose the sentence that correctly uses an apostrophe to show possession in the plural form?

The students' bikes are all lined up. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a contraction?

I can't wait for the school year to end. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Choose the sentence that correctly uses an apostrophe to show possession.

The teachers' meeting is in the auditorium. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the sentence, "Winters chilly blasts are about to give way to springs gentle breezes." need an apostrophe?

The sentence needs an apostrophe to show that the blasts are possessed by winter and the breezes belong to spring. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences correctly uses 'others'?

The others books were scattered on the floor. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between using "each others“ and “each other's“?

“Each others” is used when referring to a group, while “Each other’s” is for two people. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences correctly uses an apostrophe?

The children's laughter filled the park. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct way to write the possessive pronoun for "the teacher"?

the teacher’s (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

English 102 - Possession/Apostrophes

Essential Question: How to explain and apply rules of possession in writing.
Spring 2025 Course
Apostrophes are used for two main purposes: creating possessives and showing contractions.

The Mighty Apostrophe

Apostrophes have a limited but very important function.
A misplaced apostrophe can be annoying and confusing.
Apostrophes are used to show possession and contractions.

Rule #1 - Singular Possessive Apostrophe

To show that one person owns something, add an apostrophe and an "s" to the end of the name.
Examples: Leah's leftover pizza, Mrs. Whitcomb's class, Johnny's baseball mitt.

Rule #2 - Singular Possessive Apostrophe with "-s" Ending Words

When a word already ends in "-s," you have two options for showing possession:
- Add only an apostrophe.
- Add an apostrophe and an "s"
Examples: Thomas' sprite or Thomas's sprite, Lucas' basketball shoes or Lucas's basketball shoes, Zeus' mighty trident or Zeus's mighty trident.

Rule #3 - Plural Possessive Apostrophe

For plural words, add the apostrophe after the "s."
Examples: Twenty students' bikes, seven kids' stomachs, doctors' days.

Rule #4 - Irregular Plural Possessive Apostrophe

Not all plural words follow the standard "s" rule.
Add an apostrophe and "s", similar to singular possessives.
Examples: Deer's grass, geese's wings, men's sweatshirts . Sample irregular plurals: mice, sheep, tuna, aircraft, bison, feet.

Rule #5 - Family Last Names

Family last names are typically treated as plural terms, meaning more than one person.
Examples: Schroeders' lawn, Levitts' turn.

Rule #6 - Others, Each Other's, Others'

"Others" refers to a group of people and doesn't take an apostrophe.
"Each other's" requires an apostrophe before "s".
Examples: Dave told the others about the plan, Dave and his friend could finish each other's sentences.

Rule #7 - Contractions

Apostrophes are used in contractions to shorten words.
Examples: Can't, won't, don't, who's.
Be careful not to confuse contractions with possessives.

Final Reminder

Plural and possessive forms are different. Make sure to use the correct form based on the meaning.
Example: Cheerleaders are practicing today vs. Cheerleaders' practices have been rescheduled.

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Description

This quiz covers the rules of possession and the usage of apostrophes in writing as part of English 102. You will learn how to correctly form singular possessive phrases and understand common pitfalls in apostrophe placement. Master these essential grammar concepts to enhance your writing clarity.