What You Need to Know

Key Concept Diagram

Possessive apostrophe: add apostrophe + s to a singular noun (e.g. the dog's collar)

For plural nouns ending in s, add only an apostrophe (e.g. the dogs' collars)

Contractions combine two words with an apostrophe replacing missing letters (e.g. do not = don't)

It's (with apostrophe) = it is; its (no apostrophe) = belonging to it

Key Vocabulary

Apostrophe

A punctuation mark used to show possession or indicate missing letters in contractions

Possession

Showing that something belongs to someone or something

Contraction

A shortened word formed by combining two words with an apostrophe

Plural

More than one; many English plurals end in -s or -es

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

Which is correct: "The cats bowl" OR "The cat's bowl"?

"The cats bowl" Neither is correct Both are correct "The cat's bowl"

Question 2

What is the contraction of "they are"?

"they're" "there" "their" "theyre"

Question 3

Which sentence uses "its" and "it's" correctly?

"Its raining and the dog lost it's bone" "It's raining and the dog lost its bone" "Its raining and the dog lost its bone" "It's raining and the dog lost it's bone"

Apostrophes for Possession and Contraction