When to use apostrophes

The placement of an apostrophe can really change the meaning of a sentence. Which of the following sentences demonstrates the power of apostrophe placement?

• Those robots in the sand are my sister's.

• Those robots in the sand are my sisters'.

• Those robots in the sand are my sisters.

• All of the above

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.1

CCSS.L.9-10.2

One of the trickiest snags in English grammar is "its" versus "it's". Which of the following statements is true about this conundrum?

• "It's" only takes an apostrophe when it's a contraction for "it is" or "it has".

• If you can replace "it's" with "it is" or "it has", then use the apostrophe.

• If you're showing possession, leave it out.

• All of the above

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.1

Which of the following is NOT one of the ways that an apostrophe can be used?

• To mark possession

• To mark contraction

• To mark the plural of single letters

• To mark the best part of a book

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.1

CCSS.L.9-10.2

When in doubt as a writer of English, it's best to leave out an apostrophe. Why?

• Because many people add unnecessary apostrophes

• Because unnecessary apostrophes stand out to a reader

• Because some grammar nerds are harsh judges of apostrophe usage

• All of the above

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.1

CCSS.L.9-10.2

Why do even grammar nerds disagree on whether to use an apostrophe-s after a proper noun ending in "s"?

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.1

CCSS.L.9-10.2

When it comes to the use of apostrophe-s after a proper noun ending in s, what do you think is the right thing to do?

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.1

CCSS.L.9-10.2

As the English language evolves, so do English grammar "rules" and "style" choices. Why?

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.1

CCSS.L.9-10.3