Grammar: Meaning of Apostrophe – Basic 2 English Lesson Note (Third Term)

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Identify an apostrophe in sentences or words
2. Explain how to use an apostrophe
3. Use an apostrophe correctly

Content

What is an Apostrophe?

An apostrophe (‘) is a punctuation mark that shows:

• Ownership (possession)
• Missing letters (contractions)

Apostrophe for Ownership (Possessive)

Shows that something belongs to someone.

Examples:

• Tom’s book = the book that belongs to Tom
• Mary’s pencil = the pencil that belongs to Mary
• The dog’s tail = the tail that belongs to the dog

Rules:

• Add ‘s to singular nouns: cat’s, boy’s, girl’s
• Add ‘ to plural nouns ending in s: boys’, girls’, cats’

Apostrophe for Contractions

Shows where letters are missing when two words are joined.

Common Contractions:

• don’t = do not (missing ‘o’)
• can’t = cannot (missing ‘no’)
• I’m = I am (missing ‘a’)
• it’s = it is (missing ‘i’)
• we’re = we are (missing ‘a’)
• you’re = you are (missing ‘a’)

When NOT to use Apostrophes

• Plural nouns: cats, dogs, books (NOT cat’s, dog’s, book’s)
• Possessive pronouns: his, hers, ours, yours, theirs

Exercise

1. Add apostrophes to show ownership
2. Write contractions for given phrases
3. Circle apostrophes in sentences