Apostrophes

1
Apostrophes

• How and when to use them

2
What is an apostrophe?

• It looks like a comma but we place it above
  the line of writing.
• It takes up the space of a letter.
• It is used for various reasons.

3
Why do we use them?

• To show who owns what (possession)
• This is Janes cat.
• To fill in for missing letters (contractions)
• Shes gone to the cinema with her friends.

4
Contractions

• When two words are joined together in a shorter
  form.
• The apostrophe takes the place of the missing
  letter(s).
• I am (Im)
• They are (Theyre)
• Do not (dont)

5
Be careful!

• Dont confuse its and its
• its (possessive its edges were sharp)
• its (it is, it has)
• Whose and whos
• Whose book is this?
• Whos coming to dinner.

6
Test Yourself

• You are - ?
• Will not - ?
• I would - ?
• I had - ?
• We have - ?
• I shall not - ?

7
Test Yourself

• Shes got her mothers good looks, hasnt she?
• Its the princesss birthday today, isnt it?
• The womens Keep Fit Class opens today.

8
Homework

• Find some examples of the misuse of apostrophes-
• many people put an apostrophe when they just need
  to add an s to make a plural.
• e.g. PCs, 1940s, CDs
• You only use an apostrophe to show possession or
  that you have missed out some letters.