a punctuation mark used to contract two words together

a punctuation mark that can be used to show if a noun belongs to another singular noun

Apostrophes for contraction and singular possession review

English

Direct speech: inverted commas

Speech first: punctuation rules

Apostrophes for plural possession

Apostrophes for singular possession and for plural possession

In this unit, pupils learn to use the apostrophe for plural possession and inverted commas for direct speech. In 'Speech punctuation and apostrophes', pupils will develop their accuracy of inverted comma use in both speech first and speech second sentences.

In 'Speech punctuation and apostrophes', pupils learnt to use the apostrophe for contraction and for singular possession. In this unit, pupils will learn to use the apostrophe for plural possession and inverted commas for direct speech.

In this unit, pupils punctuate direct speech for the first time in a sentence where the direct speech comes first and the reporting clause comes second. They review learning around using apostrophes for contraction and singular possession; they also learn to use an apostrophe for plural possession.

Speech first punctuation and apostrophes

Fill in the blank: If you possess something, you __________ it.

What belongs to Aisha in the following sentence? 'The class played with Aisha's stickers at playtime.'

What belongs to Lucas in the following sentence? 'Lucas' pencil case went missing yesterday and Mr Clarke has helped him search the classroom.'

The name 'Ms Jones' ends in the letter s.

Why is there **no s** after the apostrophe in the following sentence? 'Ms Jones' dress was blue with white dots.'

Is the apostrophe signalling **contraction** or **possession** in the following sentence? 'We won't have time for a film today.'

Is the apostrophe signalling **contraction** or **possession** in the following sentence? 'Izzy's sister is coming to school today.'

at the same height as the ascender of a letter

Where would you see an apostrophe in a word?

True or false? Using contractions makes writing more formal.

What does it mean if you **possess** something?

In the following sentence, what belongs to Jun? 'Jun's football that he kicked on the pitch was red and white.'

Starter Quiz

Which punctuation mark is an apostrophe?