Rules for Apostrophe and Colon Usage

Front

What are the three general purposes of apostrophes?

Back

1. To create possessive nouns 2. To create contractions 3. To make letters, numbers, and abbreviations plural

Front

How do you form a possessive noun for a singular noun?

Back

Add ’s (e.g., The cat’s toy is in Michael’s room.)

Front

How do you form a possessive noun for a singular noun that ends in -s?

Back

Still add ’s (e.g., This is Wes’s job.)

Front

How do you form a possessive noun for a plural noun?

Back

Add an apostrophe at the end (e.g., All of the students’ lockers are cleaned out.)

Front

What is the difference between 'it’s' and 'its'?

Back

'It’s' is a contraction meaning 'it is', while 'its' is the possessive form of 'it'.

Front

How are apostrophes used to make letters, numbers, and abbreviations plural?

Back

Example: There were no D’s or F’s on the exam. How many 5’s and 10’s do you have?

Front

What must you have before a colon?

Back

A complete sentence.

Front

What is the purpose of a colon?

Back

Colons emphasize the information that follows them.

Front

How are colons used to introduce a list of items?

Back

Example: The reporter interviewed many people: my dad, the fire department, and a group of children.

Front

How are colons used to clarify a statement?

Back

Example: There was only one way he could win: He had to try harder.