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© 2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

English Skills, 10eEnglish Skills with Readings, 8e

Chapter Thirty-FiveChapter Thirty-Five

Apostrophe

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There are two different uses of the apostrophe:• Use the apostrophe with a contraction, a

shortened form of a word. • Use the apostrophe to show ownership or

possession.

A cowboy’s outfit can’t help but stand out in a crowd.

Apostrophe

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Contractions• When two words are combined to make

one word, an apostrophe is used to show where letters have been omitted. This is called a contraction.Contractions are reserved for informal

occasions.I + have = I’vedid + not = didn’tlet + us = let’s

I + have = I’vedid + not = didn’tlet + us = let’s

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It`s too late to watch amovie.

(It is too late.)

It`s too late to watch amovie.

(It is too late.)

It`s been years since cowboy movies were

popular.(It has been years.)

It`s been years since cowboy movies were

popular.(It has been years.)

Contractions

Note:The word it’s has

two meanings.

It isOR

It has

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• You MUST put the apostrophe where the letters are missing.

INCORRECT:INCORRECT: – Cowboys do’ntdo’nt ride on the same type of saddles as your

cousin does.

Correct:Correct:– Cowboys don’tdon’t ride on the same type of saddles as your

cousin does.

The apostrophe shows the “o”o” has been left out.

Understanding Contractions

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Using the Apostrophe with Numbers

Numbers can be omitted.Numbers can be omitted.

In the ’50s, cowboy movies were very popular.In the ’50s, cowboy movies were very popular.( The apostrophe shows that the “19” ( The apostrophe shows that the “19”

was left out.)was left out.)

In the ’50s, cowboy movies were very popular.In the ’50s, cowboy movies were very popular.( The apostrophe shows that the “19” ( The apostrophe shows that the “19”

was left out.)was left out.)

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• Apostrophes are sometimes used to form the plural of letters, numbers, and symbols.

• Be consistent.

– Cowboy legends began as early as the 1860’s.

– Cowboys often did not know their A’s from B’s.

Special Situations with Numbers

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Ownership• Use the apostrophe and an - s to form the

possessive case.

– A cowboy’s work is never done.– Frederic Remington’s art reflected the

spirit of the wild west.

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• For singular nouns ending in -s, it is acceptable to form the possessive by adding -’s oror by adding only an apostrophe. The writer must be consistent throughout a piece of writing.– Columbus’ horses, which he brought on

his second voyage, were the first to arrive in the new world.

Singular Nouns

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Plural Nouns• Form the possessive of plural nouns by

adding an apostrophe.– The wranglers’ gloves protected their hands

from rope burns, cutting reins, and cold.

• Indicate the possessive of plural nouns not ending in -s by adding an apostrophe and an -s.– Men’s clothing often indicates their

profession.

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Compound Words and Phrases

• Compound words:

– Annie Oakley was married, but we do not know if her father-in-law’s views

about cowgirls were positive ones.

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Do Not Use The Apostrophe• Possessive pronouns and possessive

adjectives do not use apostrophes.

– We can recognize an Appaloosa by its distinct spots.

– The spurs are ours.

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• Children and adults throughout the world celebrate a variety of holidays.

Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect.

Apostrophe Practice Review

Correct

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• American towns display fireworks as a highlight of patriotic celebrations.

Apostrophe Practice ReviewDirections: Identify as correct or incorrect .

Correct

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• My fathers biggest barbecue is held on the Fourth of July.

Apostrophe Practice ReviewDirections: Identify as correct or incorrect.

Incorrect: father’s

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• The United States postal service distributed a stamp commemorating Mexicos Cinco de Mayo.

Apostrophe Practice ReviewDirections: Identify as correct or incorrect.

Incorrect:Mexico’s

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• Many countries celebrate religious events as national holidays.

NOTE: Countries is the plural form of country.

• Our country’s most popular holiday is Christmas.

Apostrophe Practice ReviewDirections: Identify as correct or incorrect.

Correct

Correct

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• Saint James Day is a festive day in Spain.

Apostrophe Practice ReviewDirections: Identify as correct or incorrect.

Incorrect:James’

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• Germanys and Italys religious celebrations are sometimes similar, even when it comes to food.

Apostrophe Practice ReviewDirections: Identify as correct or incorrect.

Incorrect:Germany’s/

Italy’s

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• Christmas Eve and its traditional meal of seven fishes has a basis in Germany and Italy.

Apostrophe Practice ReviewDirections: Identify as correct or incorrect.

Correct

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• In the 70s people did not decorate their homes for holidays, such as Saint Patricks Day and Halloween, to the extent that they do today.

Apostrophe Practice ReviewDirections: Identify as correct or incorrect.

Incorrect:‘70s

Patrick’s