History and Usage of the Apostrophe

The video explores the history and usage of the apostrophe, starting with its Greek origins as a rhetorical device. It was used in literature to address absent or inanimate objects. The apostrophe was introduced to the French language by Joffrey Torrey in the late 16th century to represent missing letters. This usage spread to English due to French influence, leading to contractions like 'I'm'. The apostrophe is similarly used in Romance languages to omit parts of words. Over time, its usage expanded without standardization, including contractions and possessives.

What is the original meaning of the word 'apostrophe' in Greek?

• To write

• To speak

• To turn away

• To punctuate

In classical rhetoric, what does an apostrophe involve?

• Turning away from the audience to address absent entities

• Addressing the audience directly

• Writing in a poetic form

• Using a punctuation mark

Which literary work features the line 'Oh happy dagger' as an example of apostrophe?

• Macbeth

• Hamlet

• Romeo and Juliet

• Othello

Who introduced the apostrophe to the French language?

• Geoffrey Chaucer

• Joffrey Torrey

• William Shakespeare

• Victor Hugo

What was the initial purpose of the apostrophe in French?

• To emphasize words

• To denote plural forms

• To represent missing letters

• To indicate possession

During which historical period did the apostrophe start appearing in English?

• Early 15th century

• Late 16th to early 17th century

• Mid 18th century

• Early 19th century

What is an example of a contraction using an apostrophe in English?

• I’m

• I am

• I was

• I will

In Romance languages, what is a common use of the apostrophe?

• To show emphasis

• To form questions

• To indicate past tense

• To replace definite articles

Which language family primarily uses apostrophes to omit parts of words?

• Germanic languages

• Celtic languages

• Slavic languages

• Romance languages

What was a common misuse of apostrophes during their expansion across Europe?

• Using them for questions

• Using them for emphasis

• Using them for plurals

• Using them for possessives