Apostrophes
Understand possessive forms and contractions to avoid common errors.
9Apostrophes
Rule:
Apostrophes show possession and form contractions. Know the difference between its/it's, whose/who's, etc.
Key Points:
- Possessive: add 's to singular nouns, ' to plural nouns ending in s
- Contractions: it's = it is, who's = who is, they're = they are
- Possessive pronouns (its, whose, theirs) don't use apostrophes
- Whose vs. Who's:
- Who's is a contraction of "who is" or "who has."
- Whose is the possessive form, showing ownership.
- Trick: Replace "who's" with "who is" in the sentence. If it doesn't make sense, use "whose."
Correct: "Who's coming to the party?" (Who is coming)
Correct: "Whose book is this?" (The book belongs to whom?)
Incorrect: "Who's birthday is it?" → "Who is birthday is it?" (Doesn't make sense → use "whose")
Correct: "Whose book is this?" (The book belongs to whom?)
Incorrect: "Who's birthday is it?" → "Who is birthday is it?" (Doesn't make sense → use "whose")
Practice Questions
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