In each sentence, add an apostrophe if one is needed; if an apostrophe appears but is not needed, circle it.

Question

If you can master two uses of apostrophes, you will use apostrophes correctly most of the time. We’ll cover both of these uses and then you will be provided with some practice exercises.

Use 1: Use an apostrophe to show possession.
Singular noun: cat
Singular noun that possesses something: the cat’s bowl
Singular noun that ends in “s”: Zeus
Singular noun that ends in “s” that possesses something: Zeus’ power
Plural noun: cats
Plural noun that possesses something: the cats’ bowls
TIP: Do not use an apostrophe to make a noun plural.
WRONG: Tire’s for sale
CORRECT: Tires for sale

Use 2: Use an apostrophe to create contractions, but be careful with “it’s”.
For all contractions except “it’s” use the apostrophe in place of the letters you remove, like this:
Does not = doesn’t (The ‘o’ is removed, so the apostrophe is put in its place.)
You all = y’all (The ‘ou” are removed, so the apostrophe is put in their places.)

In the case of it’s, use an apostrophe only if you mean it is.
WRONG: country living at it’s finest (“Country living at it is finest” is not correct!)
CORRECT: country living at its finest
CORRECT: It’s a beautiful day. (“It is a beautiful day” is correct.)

1. Baby, its cold outside.
2. The fire’s in California did extensive damage.
3. Heat from the suns rays damaged my new cars exterior.
4. I didn’t know it was Luis birthday!
5. The hotel does its best to make sure guests are comfortable.
6. No one from the childrens school told us that today was a holiday.
7. Is’nt boiling the best way to prepare potatoes?
8. The scientist report showed that using bleach over a long period of time can have harmful
effects on janitorial workers.
9. I have two finches, and in the finches houses, I keep some straw.
10. This little radio receives fifteen channel’s.

Answer 1