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Apostrophe Rules

Using apostrophes for possession and contractions

beginner

When to Use Apostrophe Rules

  • •Possession (singular): the dog's tail, John's book.
  • •Possession (plural ending in s): the dogs' tails, the teachers' room.
  • •Possession (plural not ending in s): the children's toys, the men's room.
  • •Contractions: don't, can't, it's (it is), they're (they are).
  • •Not for plurals: apples (not apple's), the 1990s (not 1990's).

How to Form Apostrophe Rules

Affirmative (+)

Singular: noun + 's. Plural ending in s: noun + '. Plural not ending in s: noun + 's

Negative (-)

Same rules apply

Question (?)

Same rules apply

💡 It's = it is/it has. Its = possession (no apostrophe). Who's = who is. Whose = possession.

Examples of Apostrophe Rules

✓The cat's food is here.

✗The cats food is here.

Singular possession needs 's.

✓The students' books are on the desk.

✗The student's books are on the desk (if multiple students).

Plural ending in s: add apostrophe after s.

✓It's raining.

✗Its raining.

It's = it is; its = possession.

Common Mistakes with Apostrophe Rules

💡 Practice Tips for Apostrophe Rules

  • • Possession: 's for singular; s' for plural ending in s.
  • • Contractions: apostrophe replaces missing letters.
  • • It's = it is; its = possession (no apostrophe).
  • • Never use apostrophe for simple plurals.
Quick Quiz
  1. 1.The dog wagged   tail happily.
  2. 2.Which is the correct plural of 'apple'? 
  3. 3.  coming to the party tonight?
  4. 4.We visited the   room. (a room shared by all the children)
  5. Question 5: Add the apostrophe: That is John blank s book. (insert mark only)
    5.Add the apostrophe: That is John s book. (insert mark only)
  6. Question 6: Add the apostrophe: The teachers blank lounge is upstairs. (multiple teachers; insert mark only)
    6.Add the apostrophe: The teachers lounge is upstairs. (multiple teachers; insert mark only)
  7. Question 7: Write the contraction for 'do not':blank
    7.Write the contraction for 'do not':
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