When to use apostrophes - Laura McClure

Summary

This video provides a clear and engaging overview of apostrophe usage in English grammar. It explains three primary functions: indicating possession, forming contractions, and pluralizing single letters. The transcript highlights the nuances of possession with proper nouns, addressing common questions such as how to treat names ending in 's.' It also clarifies the difference between 'its' and 'it's,' emphasizing that the latter is a contraction. Overall, the video aims to simplify the complexities of apostrophe usage, making it accessible and relatable for viewers.

Takeaways

• 😀 The apostrophe is used in three main ways: to indicate possession, mark contractions, and denote the plural of single letters.
• 😀 Placement of the apostrophe is crucial as it can change the meaning of a sentence, especially in possessive forms.
• 😀 For singular possession, the apostrophe is placed next to the noun that owns something (e.g., 's for singular nouns).
• 😀 Plural nouns also require an apostrophe to show possession, but the placement varies depending on whether the noun ends in 's'.
• 😀 There is debate among grammar enthusiasts about whether to use 's or just an apostrophe for proper nouns ending in 's'.
• 😀 Consistency in the chosen style for possessive forms is important in writing.
• 😀 Certain pronouns already convey possession without needing an apostrophe (e.g., its vs. it's).
• 😀 'It's' is a contraction for 'it is' or 'it has' and requires an apostrophe, while 'its' shows possession.
• 😀 Contractions are formed by omitting letters and using an apostrophe to indicate the omission.
• 😀 Double contractions are rare in writing, typically found only in dialogue.

Q & A

What are the three primary uses of an apostrophe?

The apostrophe is used to mark possession, to indicate contraction, and to denote the plural of single letters.

How does the placement of an apostrophe affect the meaning of a sentence?

The placement of an apostrophe can change whether a noun is showing possession or whether it is being used in a contraction, thus altering the sentence's meaning.

What is the correct way to show possession for a singular noun?

For a singular noun, the apostrophe is placed before the 's' (e.g., 'sister's robots').

What is the debate surrounding proper nouns ending in 's' and apostrophe usage?

There is disagreement among grammar enthusiasts about whether to use 's or just an apostrophe for proper nouns ending in 's' (e.g., 'Lucas' robots' vs. 'Lucas's robots'). It's a stylistic choice rather than a strict rule.

How should writers approach the apostrophe usage when writing for publication?

Writers should learn the specific style guide relevant to their publication and consistently apply that style throughout their writing.

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

'It's' is a contraction for 'it is' or 'it has', while 'its' indicates possession and does not use an apostrophe.

How can one determine whether to use 'it's' in a sentence?

If you can replace 'it's' with 'it is' or 'it has' in the sentence, then the apostrophe is correct; otherwise, you should use 'its' to show possession.

What are double contractions, and are they generally accepted in writing?

Double contractions combine two contractions into one (e.g., 'I ain't got no'), but they are generally not accepted in formal writing except in dialogue.

What is a common mistake people make regarding the apostrophe and possession?

A common mistake is confusing 'its' with 'it's', leading to incorrect usage of the apostrophe when indicating possession.

Can you provide an example of apostrophe usage in plural forms?

Yes, to indicate possession for plural nouns, you typically add an apostrophe after the 's' (e.g., 'the sisters' robots').