the rules in using the apostrophe - IELTS Grammar Training 101 http://www.jroozreview.com

1. IELTS Grammar Training
A lesson on apostrophe
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2. Rules in using the apostrophe
Use apostrophes with contractions
do not - don’t does not – doesn’t
I don’ t care about getting hurt anymore. I have been hurt a lot of
times.
did not – didn’t
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She doesn’t know anything about his past.
They didn’t anticipate his reaction with their suggestions.
cannot – can’t you are – you’re

3. Rules in using the apostrophe
The president can’t believe the news that his secretary told him
this morning.
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You’re invited to his wedding on the 4th of
September.
There are a lot of individuals studying English and you’re
one of them.

4. Rules in using the apostrophe
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Use the apostrophe to show possession.
Possession means that a thing or a person belongs to
something or someone.
• For singular nouns, place the apostrophe after the noun
I saw a girl’s doll lying somewhere on the floor.
The dog’s tail was greatly wounded during the accident.
I heard that a concert will be held at Mr. Jack’s garage.

5. Rules in using the apostrophe
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• If the regular noun is in its plural form, place the apostrophe
after the regular noun
The boys’ uniforms were found to be soiled and really damaged.
The dogs’ bones were buried right outside their houses.
The shirts’ designs were approved by the president; hence, we are
ready for production.

6. Rules in using the apostrophe
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• Use an apostrophe with –s when two or more nouns possess
the same thing
Joshua and Mark’s bicycles were parked in the backyard.
April and Trecia’s school project was magnificent.
Jon and Shane’s guitars were stolen.

7. Rules in using the apostrophe
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use apostrophe for indefinite pronouns
anybody's
somebody's
someone's
anyone’s
Is this anyone’s backpack lying here on the ground?
Try putting yourself in another’s shoes.
another’s
One’s garbage might be someone’s treasure.
one’s

8. Rules in using the apostrophe
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Do not use apostrophe for possessive pronouns
yours
his
hers
ours
theirs

9. Rules in using the apostrophe
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Do not use apostrophe to form a plural
use only an -s (or an -es) without an apostrophe to form the plurals of
nouns--including dates, acronyms, and family names:
There was a big increase on the profits of emerging markets in Asia.
The Robinsons were at the beach when the murder happened.

10. Rules in using the apostrophe
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Apostrophes can be used when indicating plural forms of expressions
or certain letters that aren’t commonly found in the plural nouns.
Mind your p's and q's.
Let's accept the proposal without any if's, and's, or but's.
You should follow the do’s and don’ts when using apostrophes.

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