Using apostrophes | Year 4 English PDF Download

Using Apostrophes for Contractions

• Definition: Apostrophes serve to contract words by omitting certain letters.
• Example: "You are" becomes "you're."
• Explanation: The apostrophe replaces the omitted letter 'a' in this contraction.
• Tip: Sometimes, letters may need to be rearranged to form contractions.
• Example: "Will not" contracts to "won't."

Importance of Contractions

• Enhanced Readability: Contractions make text easier to read and create a more informal tone.
• Example: "I am" becomes "I'm," "cannot" becomes "can't."

Additional Points

• Usage: Contractions are commonly used in everyday language and informal writing.
• Example: "I will" contracts to "I'll," "they are" becomes "they're."
• Practice: Regularly using contractions can improve fluency in writing and speech.

Understanding Apostrophes for Showing Possession

What is a Possessive Apostrophe?

An apostrophe is a punctuation mark used to indicate that something belongs to or is connected to something else. This use is known as a possessive apostrophe.

How to Use a Possessive Apostrophe

• Singular Possession
• When something belongs to only one person or thing.
  • Example 1: The cat's tail was fluffy.
    • In this case, 'cat' is a singular noun, so you add an apostrophe and 's' to show that the tail belongs to the cat.
  • Example 2: Charles' cat was naughty.
    • For singular nouns ending in 's', like 'Charles', you only need to add an apostrophe to show possession.
• Plural Possession
• When something belongs to more than one person or thing.
  • Example 1: The brothers' feet were muddy.
    • If the noun is plural and ends in 's', like 'brothers', you simply add an apostrophe to show possession.
  • Example 2: The children's toys were broken.
    • For plural nouns not ending in 's', such as 'children', you add an apostrophe and 's' to indicate possession.