Lesson 403

Mechanics - Punctuation - Apostrophes

Use an apostrophe to indicate possession with nounsA noun is a word that names a person, place, thing, or idea. Examples: man, city, book, and courage.  Source: Lesson 16.  A plural noun that does end in "s" forms the possessivePossessives show whose something is. adding just '.  Write the noun; change no letters; drop no letters; and then simply add '.  This rule is always the same for each plural noun that does not end in "s."

To be sure you need a possessive and not just a plural, say the word followed by "what."

Examples:
I saw those girls.
"Girls" what?  Nothing. "Girls" is a plural.
I saw those girls' gloves.
"Girls" what?  Gloves. "Girls" is a possessive.

 
 
 

Instructions: Supply the apostrophes and "s" ('s) to make the possessives in the following sentences.

1. All the pupils seats were taken.

2. Mud had covered all of the girls dresses.

3. The lawyers fees came to a million dollars.

4. The Allens house burned to the ground last night.

5. The sailors parents were very worried by the news.