An apostrophe is another type of punctuation mark that helps a reader understand writing.
- Apostrophe
- An apostrophe looks like this: '
An apostrophe has two different functions:
1. to show possession
2. to form contractions
Add an apostrophe and -s ('s) to a noun to show that something belongs to it.
The 's in "the man's coat" shows that the coat belongs to the man.
The 's in "the children's games" shows that the games belong to the children.
When a plural noun already ends in an -s, only add an apostrophe (') to show possession.
The ' after the word, sisters, shows that the room belongs to both sisters.
The ' after the word, winners, shows that the awards belong to all the winners.
When something belongs to a list of people or things, only put an apostrophe + -s after the last one on the list.
In the sentence, the dog belongs to Marly, Jeb, and Lisa. Only the last name of the three gets an 's.
2nd Grade Writing - Punctuation Lesson