Learn on PengiElements of Language, 3rd CourseChapter 14: Punctuation: Apostrophes

Lesson 1: Apostrophes

In this Grade 6 grammar lesson from Elements of Language, 3rd Course, students learn how to use apostrophes to form the possessive case of singular nouns, plural nouns, indefinite pronouns, and possessive personal pronouns. The lesson also covers using apostrophes in contractions to show omitted letters or numerals, and forming the plurals of lowercase letters, symbols, and numerals. Practice exercises guide students through applying proofreading symbols and choosing correct possessive forms in context.

Section 1

Singular Possessive Nouns

Definition

To form the possessive case of most singular nouns, add an apostrophe and an s.

Explanation

This is the most common rule for showing that a single person, place, or thing owns something. Think of the apostrophe and s ('s) as a little flag that claims possession. It attaches directly to the end of the singular noun to show a clear relationship of ownership.

Examples

  • Let's check this week's schedule for the meeting.
  • Because he wasn't paying attention, David's drink spilled over the cup's edge.
  • Look at the length of that alligator's tail!

Section 2

Possessives of Proper Nouns Ending in 's'

Definition

If a proper name ending in s has two or more syllables and if the addition of an apostrophe and s will make the name awkward to pronounce, add only the apostrophe.

Explanation

This is an exception to the main singular possessive rule, designed purely to make speaking easier. For longer proper names ending in an 's' sound, adding another 's' can be a mouthful. In these cases, just add the apostrophe alone to avoid the clumsy pronunciation.

Examples

  • My class is studying Sophocles' plays this semester.
  • One of Dallas' main attractions is the renowned art museum.
  • We read about Odysseus' long journey home from Troy.

Section 3

Plural Possessive Nouns

Definition

When plural nouns end in s, form the possessive case by adding an apostrophe alone, but to form the possessive case of plural nouns that do not end in s, add both an apostrophe and an s.

Explanation

This rule has two sides. For regular plural nouns that already end in -s (like dogs or cars), you simply add an apostrophe after the s. For irregular plural nouns that don't end in -s (like children or mice), you treat them like singular nouns and add an apostrophe and an s ('s).

Examples

  • Plural nouns ending in 's': The players' uniforms were all muddy after the game.
  • Plural nouns not ending in 's': The women's soccer team won the championship.
  • Plural nouns ending in 's': Please put the bosses' reports on the correct desk.
  • Plural nouns not ending in 's': The children's toys were scattered all over the living room.

Section 4

Apostrophes in Contractions

Definition

Use an apostrophe to show where letters, numerals, or words have been omitted in a contraction.

Explanation

Think of an apostrophe in a contraction as a tiny placeholder. It steps in to fill the gap where letters or numbers have been removed to combine two words (like do not into don't) or shorten a number (like 1998 into ‘98). It's a signal that words have been squished together!

Examples

  • You're going to be late if you don't leave now. (Contractions for You are and do not)
  • He's running for class president, isn't he? (Contractions for He is and is not)
  • My mother graduated from college in '95, and the reunion starts at eight o'clock. (Contractions for 1995 and of the clock)

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Section 1

Singular Possessive Nouns

Definition

To form the possessive case of most singular nouns, add an apostrophe and an s.

Explanation

This is the most common rule for showing that a single person, place, or thing owns something. Think of the apostrophe and s ('s) as a little flag that claims possession. It attaches directly to the end of the singular noun to show a clear relationship of ownership.

Examples

  • Let's check this week's schedule for the meeting.
  • Because he wasn't paying attention, David's drink spilled over the cup's edge.
  • Look at the length of that alligator's tail!

Section 2

Possessives of Proper Nouns Ending in 's'

Definition

If a proper name ending in s has two or more syllables and if the addition of an apostrophe and s will make the name awkward to pronounce, add only the apostrophe.

Explanation

This is an exception to the main singular possessive rule, designed purely to make speaking easier. For longer proper names ending in an 's' sound, adding another 's' can be a mouthful. In these cases, just add the apostrophe alone to avoid the clumsy pronunciation.

Examples

  • My class is studying Sophocles' plays this semester.
  • One of Dallas' main attractions is the renowned art museum.
  • We read about Odysseus' long journey home from Troy.

Section 3

Plural Possessive Nouns

Definition

When plural nouns end in s, form the possessive case by adding an apostrophe alone, but to form the possessive case of plural nouns that do not end in s, add both an apostrophe and an s.

Explanation

This rule has two sides. For regular plural nouns that already end in -s (like dogs or cars), you simply add an apostrophe after the s. For irregular plural nouns that don't end in -s (like children or mice), you treat them like singular nouns and add an apostrophe and an s ('s).

Examples

  • Plural nouns ending in 's': The players' uniforms were all muddy after the game.
  • Plural nouns not ending in 's': The women's soccer team won the championship.
  • Plural nouns ending in 's': Please put the bosses' reports on the correct desk.
  • Plural nouns not ending in 's': The children's toys were scattered all over the living room.

Section 4

Apostrophes in Contractions

Definition

Use an apostrophe to show where letters, numerals, or words have been omitted in a contraction.

Explanation

Think of an apostrophe in a contraction as a tiny placeholder. It steps in to fill the gap where letters or numbers have been removed to combine two words (like do not into don't) or shorten a number (like 1998 into ‘98). It's a signal that words have been squished together!

Examples

  • You're going to be late if you don't leave now. (Contractions for You are and do not)
  • He's running for class president, isn't he? (Contractions for He is and is not)
  • My mother graduated from college in '95, and the reunion starts at eight o'clock. (Contractions for 1995 and of the clock)

Book overview

Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.

Continue this chapter

Chapter 14: Punctuation: Apostrophes

  1. Lesson 1Current

    Lesson 1: Apostrophes

    LearnPractice