Understanding Apostrophes

This video tutorial by the Grammar Guys explains the correct use of apostrophes in English writing. It covers how apostrophes indicate possession and form contractions, and addresses common errors such as using apostrophes to pluralize nouns. The tutorial provides clear rules for placing apostrophes with singular and plural nouns, and emphasizes consistency in writing. It also highlights the importance of understanding the context to avoid misplacing apostrophes, especially in contractions and plural forms.

What is the primary purpose of using apostrophes?

• To separate sentences

• To highlight important words

• To indicate a question

• To show ownership or possession

Where should the apostrophe be placed in a singular possessive noun?

• Before the 's'

• After the noun

• Before the noun

• After the 's'

How should you handle apostrophes for plural nouns that already end in 's'?

• Place the apostrophe before the 's'

• Never use an apostrophe

• Always add 's' after the apostrophe

• Add an apostrophe after the 's'

What is the key to using apostrophes with singular nouns ending in 's'?

• Never add another 's'

• Always add another 's'

• Consistency in writing

• Use a different punctuation mark

What should you consider when deciding to add an 's' after an apostrophe for singular nouns ending in 's'?

• The type of noun

• The number of syllables

• The preference of the writer

• The length of the word

How do you form the possessive of plural nouns that do not end in 's'?

• Add 'es' to the end

• Add an apostrophe and 's'

• Do not use an apostrophe

• Add only an apostrophe

What is the rule for using apostrophes with compound nouns?

• Add an apostrophe to the first word only

• Add an apostrophe to the last word only

• Add an apostrophe and 's' to the entire compound noun

• Add an apostrophe and 's' to the last word

Which of the following is a correct use of apostrophes in contractions?

• Cannot to cant

• You have to you've

• Do not to do'nt

• Will not to willn't

What is a common mistake when using apostrophes in pluralization?

• Using apostrophes to separate sentences

• Using apostrophes to make singular nouns plural

• Using apostrophes to show possession

• Using apostrophes in contractions

In the phrase 'dot your i's and cross your t's', why are apostrophes used?

• To show possession

• To indicate a contraction

• To clarify pluralization of letters

• To separate the letters from the sentence