In one of two services, explain how to use an apostrophe to show possession for singular and plural nouns into form contractions
Using an apostrophe to show possession for singular and plural nouns:
1. Singular Possession:
When indicating possession for a singular noun, the apostrophe is placed before the 's' at the end of the word.
Example:
- The girl's book (indicating that the book belongs to the girl)
2. Singular Contraction:
To form contractions, the apostrophe is used to replace letters that are removed when combining two words.
Example:
- Do not = don't (where the letter 'o' is replaced by the apostrophe to form the contraction)
3. Plural Possession:
To show possession for plural nouns, if the plural form does not already end in 's', the apostrophe is placed before the 's'.
Example:
- The children's toys (indicating that the toys belong to the children)
4. Plural Contraction:
When forming contractions with plural words, the apostrophe is placed after the 's'.
Example:
- They are = they're (where the 'a' in 'are' is replaced by the apostrophe to create the contraction)
It's important to note that contractions should be used more informally, while possession is used to denote ownership.