Checklist
◆ An apostrophe is used to show possession or when letters
are omitted.
◆ The apostrophe goesbefore the ‘s’ when the noun is
singular.
◆ The apostrophe goesafterthe ‘s’ when the noun is plural.
◆ Do not use full stops after contractions.
◆ An acronym is a word formed from the initial letters of
other words.
Practising what you’ve learnt
Put apostrophes where necessary in the following passage.
You may have to correct some words.
Johns parents were going on a weeks holiday. While they
were away, he would stay at his grandparents house. He
hoped theyd take him to the childrens adventure play-
ground. He would go on lots of rides. His mothers dog
would be put in the kennels while they were away. His
friends family was going on a months holiday to America.
John had been very envious of Bens new suitcase.
His parents and Bens parents took the two boys out for
a meal before they left. John noticed that the waitress
stockings were laddered. He didnt like some of the food
on the menu but eventually decided on the ‘chefs special’.
He would of liked a hamburger but it was not available.See page 156 for suggested answers.
102 / IMPROVE YOUR PUNCTUATION & GRAMMAR