Lesson 401 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Apostrophes

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Use an apostrophe to indicate possession with nouns. A singular noun forms the possessive adding 's. Write the noun; change no letters; drop no letters; and then simply add 's. This rule is always the same for each singular noun. 

 

Examples: 

baby - baby's

cow - cow's

Mr. Bass - Mr. Bass's

Some authorities feel that only an apostrophe is needed when the noun ends in "s." That works okay for written material, but if you say it, you must say the extra "s" sound; therefore, I feel that the "s" is necessary in written material also.

Instructions: Supply the apostrophes and "s" ('s) to make the possessives in the following sentences.

1. The boy bike is in the back yard.

2. James car was in the accident yesterday.

3. Mr. Jones talk was the best yet.

4. What happened to that horse leg?

5. That woman umbrella is blowing away in the wind.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. The boy's bike is in the back yard.

2. James's car was in the accident yesterday.

3. Mr. Jones's talk was the best yet.

4. What happened to that horse's leg?

5. That woman's umbrella is blowing away in the wind.

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