Tip #1 How to Use the Apostrophe (') in English

 The apostrophe (’) has two main jobs in English:

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🔹 1. To Show Possession

We use an apostrophe to show that something belongs to someone or something.

✅ Examples:

• This is Emma’s book. (The book belongs to Emma.)
• That is the dog’s toy. (The toy belongs to the dog.)
• Tom’s car is red.

📌 Plural Possession:

If the noun is plural and ends in s, just add the apostrophe at the end.

• The students’ classroom (a classroom for many students)
• My parents’ house (a house that belongs to both parents)

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🔹 2. To Make Contractions

An apostrophe can also show where letters are missing when we combine words.

✅ Examples:

• I am → I’m
• She is → She’s
• They are → They’re
• Do not → Don’t
• Cannot → Can’t

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❌ Don’t Confuse:

its vs. it’s

• It’s = it is or it has
    ✔ It’s raining. (= It is raining)
• Its = shows possession
    ✔ The cat chased its tail. (the tail belongs to the cat)

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🧠 Try it yourself!

Choose the correct form:

1. (Its / It’s) a sunny day.
2. This is my (brother’s / brothers) bike.
3. The (children’s / childrens’) toys are on the floor.
4. (Don’t / Do’nt) forget your homework!
5. That’s the (teachers’ / teacher’s) desk.

(Answers: 1. It’s, 2. brother’s, 3. children’s, 4. Don’t, 5. teacher’s)

 Exercises

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