Lesson 407 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Apostrophes

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If the indefinite pronoun is followed by "else", then that word takes the apostrophe. 

 

Example: 

Somebody else's lock is on my locker.

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

1. Someone else effort caused the needed result.

2. We should always be aware of somebody else pain.

3. Everyone else coat has been hung up.

4. Does anyone else need mean anything to you?

5. No one else houses were damaged by the storm.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Someone else's effort caused the needed result.

2. We should always be aware of somebody else's pain.

3. Everyone else's coat has been hung up.

4. Does anyone else's need mean anything to you?

5. No one else's houses were damaged by the storm.

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Lesson 107 - Parts of the Sentence - Direct Object

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A direct object receives the action performed by the subject. The verb used with a direct object is always an action verb. Another way of saying it is that the subject does the verb to the direct object. 

 

To find the direct object, say the subject and verb followed by whom or what. If nothing answers the question whom or what, you know that there is no direct object.

 

     Example: 

     The car hit the tree. 

     The car hit whom or what? 

     Tree answers the question, so tree is the direct object.

     The car hit the tree. 

     Example: 

     The car sped past.

     The car sped whom or what?

     Nothing answers the question, so the sentence has no direct object.

The direct object must be a noun or pronoun. A direct object will never be in a prepositional phrase. The direct object will not equal the subject as the predicate nominative, nor does it have a linking verb as a predicate nominative sentences does.

Direct objects may be compound. 

 

     Example: 

     The car hit the tree and the fence. 

     The car hit whom or what?  

     Tree and fence answer the question, so tree and fence are the direct objects.

     The car hit the tree and the fence.

Instructions: Find the subjects, verbs, and direct objects in these sentences.

1. The students of these lessons have studied subjects and verbs.

2. The hungry man ate cake, pie and rolls continually.

3. John wants a bicycle and a wagon for Christmas.

4. Everyone at the party enjoyed the hamburgers, hot dogs, potato chips and drinks.

5. Grandma left her umbrella and coat at our house.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. The students of these lessons have studied subjects and verbs.

2. The hungry man ate cake, pie and rolls continually.

3. John wants a bicycle and a wagon for Christmas.

4. Everyone at the party enjoyed the hamburgers, hot dogs, potato chips and drinks.

5. Grandma left her umbrella and coat at our house.

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Lesson 406 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Apostrophes

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Indefinite pronouns show the possessive by adding 's. 

 

Example: 

one's idea

Indefinite pronouns are pronouns that do not point out specifically. They point out generally. They include such words as another, any, anybody, anyone, anything, both, each, either, everybody, everyone, everything, many, neither, nobody, none, no one, one, other, others, some, somebody, and someone. (Lesson 28)

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

1. Anyone guess is as good as mine.

2. Someone stupidity is going to hurt everyone chances for success.

3. I think everybody views should be heard.

4. No one vote should be left out.

5. Is this anybody book?

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Anyone's guess is as good as mine.

2. Someone's stupidity is going to hurt everyone's chances for success.

3. I think everybody's views should be heard.

4. No one's vote should be left out.

5. Is this anybody's book?

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Lesson 106 - Parts of the Sentence - Direct Object

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A direct object receives the action performed by the subject. The verb used with a direct object is always an action verb. Another way of saying it is that the subject does the verb to the direct object. 

 

To find the direct object, say the subject and verb followed by whom or what. If nothing answers the question whom or what, you know that there is no direct object.

 

     Example: 

     The car hit the tree. 

     The car hit whom or what? 

     Tree answers the question, so tree is the direct object.

     The car hit the tree. 

     Example: 

     The car sped past.

     The car sped whom or what?

     Nothing answers the question so the sentence has no direct object.

The direct object must be a noun or pronoun. A direct object will never be in a prepositional phrase. The direct object will not equal the subject as the predicate nominative, nor does it have a linking verb as a predicate nominative sentences does.

Instructions: Find the subjects, verbs, and direct objects in the following sentences.

1. Paul built a doll house for Hayley.

2. The club members held a party in the park.

3. The audience cheered their favorite actors during the play.

4. Tiny children prefer short stories.

5. Terri really dialed a wrong number last night.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Paul built a doll house for Hayley.

2. The club members held a party in the park.

3. The audience cheered their favorite actors during the play.

4. Tiny children prefer short stories.

5. Terri really dialed a wrong number last night.

 

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Quiz for Lessons 401 - 405 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Apostrophes

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Instructions: Supply the apostrophes and/or "s" to make the possessives in the following sentences.

1. The men and boys boots were all mixed together. (separate ownership)

2. Tess mother lives next door to us.

3. The dog growl scared the baby in the neighbor yard.

4. Both Mark and Stephanie hair is red. (separate ownership)

5. Mathew and Sarah mother came to the performance. (joint ownership)

6. The babies and the children fun ended with the parents return. (joint ownership)

7. The men hoods covered their faces.

8. The coop was covered with several chickens feathers.

9. I could hardly hear the puppy bark.

10. The wolves howls came sharply to the deer ears.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. The men's and boys' boots were all mixed together. (separate ownership)

2. Tess's mother lives next door to us.

3. The dog's growl scared the baby in the neighbor's yard.

4. Both Mark's and Stephanie's hair is red. (separate ownership)

5. Mathew and Sarah's mother came to the performance. (joint ownership)

6. The babies and the children's fun ended with the parents' return. (joint ownership)

7. The men's hoods covered their faces.

8. The coop was covered with several chickens' feathers.

9. I could hardly hear the puppy's bark.

10. The wolves' howls came sharply to the deer's ears.

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Quiz for Lessons 101 - 105 - Parts of the Sentence - Predicate Nominative

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Instructions: Find the subjects, verbs, and predicate nominatives in these sentences. Some may have compound subjects, verbs, or predicate nominatives. Some may not have a predicate nominative.

1. My favorite musical instruments are the radio, television, and stereo.

2. Two popular trees are the linden and the honey locust.

3. The winner will be either Jeff or Will.

4. Are those people our neighbors and friends?

5. Baseball and golf are outdoor sports.

6. I will be home tomorrow.

7. Your doctor should be a well-trained individual.

8. Jenny and Emily are close friends.

9. The grand prize was a trip to Hawaii and a cruise to Alaska.

10. Mr. Hatch is a member of congress and a song writer.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. My favorite musical instruments are the radio, television, and stereo.

2. Two popular trees are the linden and the honey locust.

3. The winner will be either Jeff or Will.

4. Are those people our neighbors and friends?

5. Baseball and golf are outdoor sports.

 

6. I will be home tomorrow.

7. Your doctor should be a well-trained individual.

8. Jenny and Emily are close friends.

9. The grand prize was a trip to Hawaii and a cruise to Alaska.

10. Mr. Hatch is a member of congress and a song writer.

 

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Lesson 405 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Apostrophes

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Use an apostrophe to indicate possession with nouns. Use an apostrophe with each name to show separate ownership. 

 

Example: 

Becky's and Pam's dolls were lost.

Instructions: Supply the apostrophes and/or "s" to make the possessives in the following sentences.

1. Alaina and Eric sleds were both well used.

2. The children and infants clothing were in different parts of the store.

3. The hounds and the fox tracks went the same direction.

4. The bee and the butterfly lives are totally different.

5. Both men and women hats are sold in this store.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Alaina's and Eric's sleds were both well used.

2. The children's and infants' clothing were in different parts of the store.

3. The hounds' and the fox's tracks went the same direction. (hound's is also possible)

4. The bee's and the butterfly's lives are totally different.

5. Both men's and women's hats are sold in this store.

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Lesson 105 - Parts of the Sentence - Predicate Nominative

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A predicate nominative or predicate noun completes a linking verb and renames the subject.  It is a complement or completer because it completes the verb.  The verb in a sentence having a predicate nominative can always be replaced by the word equals.

     Examples:
     Mr. Johanson is a teacher.
     Mr. Johanson equals a teacher.
     Mr. Johanson is a father.
     Mr. Johanson equals a father.
     Mr. Johanson is my neighbor.
     Mr. Johanson equals my neighbor.

Predicate nominatives complete only linking verbs. The linking verbs include the following: the helping verbs is, am, are, was, were, be, being, and been; the sense verbs look, taste, smell, feel, and sound; and verbs like become, seem, appear, grow, continue, stay, and turn.

Predicate nominatives can be compound. 

 

     Example: 

     Mr. Johanson is a teacher, father, and my neighbor.

Instructions: List the subject, verb, and predicate nominatives in the following sentences. Some may have compound subjects, verbs, or predicate nominatives. Some may not have a predicate nominative.

1. An honest man should have been the leader of the country.

2. Curt's favorite toy is his big truck.

3. Students' favorite food must be pizza.

4. The alarm must be ringing again and again.

5. My homes have been a school house, an old apartment, and a moved-in house.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. An honest man should have been the leader of the country.

2. Curt's favorite toy is his big truck.

3. Students' favorite food must be pizza.

4. The alarm must be ringing again and again.

5. My homes have been a school house, an old apartment, and a moved-in house.

 

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Lesson 404 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Apostrophes

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Use an apostrophe to indicate possession with nouns. Use the apostrophe with the last name only for joint ownership. 

 

Example: 

Carl and Helen's cat was stuck up the tree.

Instructions: Supply the apostrophes and/or "s" to make the possessives in the following sentences.

1. Smith and Johnson store sells almost everything possible.

2. Jim and Jeff apartment was really dirty.

3. We can borrow Gene and Fred boat for tomorrow.

4. The cat and mouse game ended abruptly.

5. The buyer and salesman discussion brought the buyer a new car.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Smith and Johnson's store sells almost everything possible.

2. Jim and Jeff's apartment was really dirty.

3. We can borrow Gene and Fred's boat for tomorrow.

4. The cat and mouse's game ended abruptly.

5. The buyer and salesman's discussion brought the buyer a new car.

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Lesson 104 - Parts of the Sentence - Predicate Nominative

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A predicate nominative or predicate noun completes a linking verb and renames the subject.  It is a complement or completer because it completes the verb.  The verb in a sentence having a predicate nominative can always be replaced by the word equals.

     Examples:
     Mr. Johanson is a teacher.
     Mr. Johanson equals a teacher.
     Mr. Johanson is a father.
     Mr. Johanson equals a father.
     Mr. Johanson is my neighbor.
     Mr. Johanson equals my neighbor.

Predicate nominatives complete only linking verbs. The linking verbs include the following: the helping verbs is, am, are, was, were, be, being, and been; the sense verbs look, taste, smell, feel, and sound; and verbs like become, seem, appear, grow, continue, stay, and turn.

Predicate nominatives can be compound. 

 

     Example: 

     Mr. Johanson is a teacher, father, and my neighbor.

Instructions: List the subject, verb, and predicate nominatives in the following sentences. Some may have compound subjects, verbs, or predicate nominatives. Some may not have a predicate nominative.

1. Abbott and Costello were famous actors and a comedy team.

2. Radio and television have become old inventions and household necessities.

3. Many neglected children become really unhappy grownups.

4. The car has been here for a long time.

5. She was a model and became a movie star.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Abbott and Costello were famous actors and a comedy team.

2. Radio and television have become old inventions and household necessities.

3. Many neglected children become really unhappy grownups.

4. The car has been here for a long time.

5. She was a model and became a movie star.

 

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Lesson 403 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Apostrophes

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

To be sure you need a possessive and not just a plural, say the word followed by "what." 

 

Example: 

I saw those girls. 

"Girls" what? Nothing. "Girls" is a plural. 

I saw those girls' gloves. 

"Girls" what? Gloves. "Girls" is a possessive.

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

1. All the pupils seats were taken.

2. Mud had covered all of the girls dresses.

3. The lawyers fees came to a million dollars.

4. The Allens house burned to the ground last night.

5. The sailors parents were very worried by the news.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. All the pupils' seats were taken.

2. Mud had covered all of the girls' dresses.

3. The lawyers' fees came to a million dollars.

4. The Allens' house burned to the ground last night.

5. The sailors' parents were very worried by the news.

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Lesson 103 - Parts of the Sentence - Predicate Nominative

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A predicate nominative or predicate noun completes a linking verb and renames the subject.  It is a complement or completer because it completes the verb.  The verb in a sentence having a predicate nominative can always be replaced by the word equals.

     Examples:
     Mr. Johanson is a teacher.
     Mr. Johanson equals a teacher.
     Mr. Johanson is a father.
     Mr. Johanson equals a father.
     Mr. Johanson is my neighbor.
     Mr. Johanson equals my neighbor.

Predicate nominatives complete only linking verbs. The linking verbs include the following: the helping verbs is, am, are, was, were, be, being, and been; the sense verbs look, taste, smell, feel, and sound; and verbs like become, seem, appear, grow, continue, stay, and turn.

Predicate nominatives can be compound. 

 

     Example: 

     Mr. Johanson is a teacher, father, and my neighbor.

Instructions: List the subject, verb, and predicate nominatives in the following sentences. Some may have compound subjects, verbs, or predicate nominatives.

1. One traitor and enemy to his country was Benedict Arnold.

2. Two loved Presidents were Lincoln and Washington.

3. A ruby is a beautiful stone.

4. The roads in the mountains can be long dusty trails.

5. The location to the mine was and still is a secret.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. One traitor and enemy to his country was Benedict Arnold.

2. Two loved Presidents were Lincoln and Washington.

3. A ruby is a beautiful stone.

4. The roads in the mountains can be long dusty trails.

5. The location to the mine was and still is a secret.

 

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Lesson 402 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Apostrophes

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Use an apostrophe to indicate possession with nouns. A plural noun that does not end in "s" forms the possessive adding 's just like the singular noun. Write the noun; change no letters; drop no letters; and then simply add 's. This rule is always the same for each plural noun that does not end in "s."

Example: 

men - men's

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

1. These women hats are sold in this store.

2. The children party was a great success.

3. The mice tracks were everywhere in the dust.

4. We followed the two deer tracks in the snow.

5. The geese flight was smooth and graceful.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. These women's hats are sold in this store.

2. The children's party was a great success.

3. The mice's tracks were everywhere in the dust.

4. We followed the two deer's tracks in the snow.

5. The geese's flight was smooth and graceful.

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Lesson 102 - Parts of the Sentence - Predicate Nominative

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A predicate nominative or predicate noun completes a linking verb and renames the subject.  It is a complement or completer because it completes the verb.  The verb in a sentence having a predicate nominative can always be replaced by the word equals.

     Examples:
     Mr. Johanson is a teacher.
     Mr. Johanson equals a teacher.
     Mr. Johanson is a father.
     Mr. Johanson equals a father.
     Mr. Johanson is my neighbor.
     Mr. Johanson equals my neighbor.

Predicate nominatives complete only linking verbs. The linking verbs include the following: the helping verbs is, am, are, was, were, be, being, and been; the sense verbs look, taste, smell, feel, and sound; and verbs like become, seem, appear, grow, continue, stay, and turn.

Predicate nominatives can be compound. 

 

     Example: 

     Mr. Johanson is a teacher, father, and my neighbor.

Instructions: List the subject, verb, and predicate nominatives in the following sentences.

1. My favorite pets were a squirrel and a rabbit.

2. Our chief crops are corn, wheat, and hay.

3. Mr. Jones is an accountant and a big game hunter.

4. The owners of the race car include Bill, Pete, and Sam.

5. My favorite holidays are Christmas and Easter.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. My favorite pets were a squirrel and a rabbit.

2. Our chief crops are corn, wheat, and hay.

3. Mr. Jones is an accountant and a big game hunter.

4. The owners of the race car include Bill, Pete, and Sam.

5. My favorite holidays are Christmas and Easter.

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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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Lesson 101 - Parts of the Sentence - Predicate Nominative

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A predicate nominative or predicate noun completes a linking verb and renames the subject.  It is a complement or completer because it completes the verb.  The verb in a sentence having a predicate nominative can always be replaced by the word equals.

     Examples:
     Mr. Johanson is a teacher.
     Mr. Johanson equals a teacher.
     Mr. Johanson is a father.
     Mr. Johanson equals a father.
     Mr. Johanson is my neighbor.
     Mr. Johanson equals my neighbor.

Predicate nominatives complete only linking verbs. The linking verbs include the following: the helping verbs is, am, are, was, were, be, being, and been; the sense verbs look, taste, smell, feel, and sound; and verbs like become, seem, appear, grow, continue, stay, and turn. 

Instructions: Find the verb, subject, and predicate nominatives in these sentences.

1. Ann is a new mother.

2. The black dog in the yard was a large Doberman.

3. The tall boy has been our best basketball player.

4. My uncle became a rich computer expert.

5. Mr. Bush may be our next President.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Ann is a new mother.

2. The black dog in the yard was a large Doberman.

3. The tall boy has been our best basketball player.

4. My uncle became a rich computer expert.

5. Mr. Bush may be our next President.

 

Next Lesson
 

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