Apostrophes Flashcards
What are apostrophes used for?
To create possessive forms, contractions, and some plurals.
The apostrophe shows what in a contracted verb?
Where a letter or letters have been left out of a contracted verb. I am = I’m.
Are contractions allowed in formal prose?
That decision is left up to the writer. To be safe, do not use them.
Where does an apostrophe go if the noun is singular?
Before the s. “Doctor’s appointment”.
Where does an apostrophe go if the noun is plural and ends with an s?
After the s. “The mothers’ kids.” If the noun is plural and does not end with an s, it goes before the s. “Children’s toys”.
What is the difference between its and it’s?
It’s + it is. its = possessive. “Its body”.
If an acronym ends with an s it is a good idea to what?
Separate the s from the first s with an apostrophe. “SOS’s”.
Apostrophes can be used to form some plurals, what are the most common ones?
Letters and digits. “Raoul got four A’s last term.” “Do not forget to dot your i’s.”
It is no longer considered necessary or correct to use apostrophes with what?
Years, decades, and abbreviations.
PhD, 1930s, IQs.
