B1 Lesson 3: Using Apostrophes for Contractions and Basic Possession
Today, we will master one of the most important punctuation marks for accuracy: the apostrophe1 ('). It has two very different main jobs: forming contractions2 and showing possession3.
Job 1: Apostrophes for Contractions
You already know some contractions. The rule is simple: the apostrophe takes the place of missing letters when we join two words. They are common in informal writing and speech.
| Full Form | Contraction | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| is not | isn't | The shop isn't open. |
| I am | I'm | I'm studying English. |
| you are | you're | You're my best friend. |
| it is | it's | It's a hot day. |
Job 2: Apostrophes for Possession (Ownership)
We also use apostrophes to show that something belongs to someone or something.
Rule 1: For singular nouns, add 's.
This is my friend's moto. (The moto belongs to one friend.)
What is Dara's phone number?
Rule 2: For plural nouns that end in -s, add only an apostrophe (').
This is my parents' house. (The house belongs to both parents.)
The students' books are on the table.
Rule 3: For irregular plural nouns (like children, people), add 's.
What are the children's names?
⚠️ Special Problem: its vs. it's
This is the most common apostrophe mistake in English! Remember this simple rule:
It's = it is or it has. The apostrophe is for a contraction.
Example: It's a beautiful day in Kampot. (It is a beautiful day.)
Its = A possessive word, like 'his' or 'her', but for a thing. No apostrophe!
Example: The cat is chasing its tail. (The tail belongs to the cat.)
✍️ B1 Apostrophe Checklist
- ✔️ If I used a contraction, did the apostrophe replace a missing letter?
- ✔️ To show ownership, did I add 's to a singular noun (Dara's)?
- ✔️ For a plural owner ending in -s, did I add only an apostrophe (parents')?
- ✔️ Did I confuse it's (it is) with the possessive its?
🧠 Practice Quiz: Choose the Correct Form
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
1. My (sisters / sister's) name is Leakena. (I have one sister).
Answer: sister's (The name belongs to one sister.)
2. (Its / It's) too late to go to the market now.
Answer: It's (because it means "It is" too late).
3. The hotel is famous for (its / it's) beautiful swimming pool.
Answer: its (because the pool belongs to the hotel).
4. Where is the (teachers' / teacher's) room? (There are many teachers).
Answer: teachers' (The room belongs to the plural 'teachers').
📝 Homework: Rewrite and Create
Get your notebook and pen to practice using apostrophes correctly.
Part 1: Rewrite the phrases using a possessive apostrophe.
- the phone belonging to my brother → _________________
- the recommendations of my friends → _________________
Part 2: Write your own sentences.
- Write one sentence using the contraction for "she is".
- Write one sentence using the possessive form of your father's name.
Answers (Part 1): 1. my brother's phone, 2. my friends' recommendations
Vocabulary Glossary
- Apostrophe: (Noun) - សញ្ញាកាត់ - The punctuation mark (') used to show possession or to indicate the omission of letters. ↩
- Contraction: (Noun) - ពាក្យកាត់ - A shorter form of a word or group of words, where an apostrophe replaces missing letters. ↩
- Possession / Ownership: (Noun) - កម្មសិទ្ធិ - The state of having or owning something. ↩
- Singular: (Adjective) - ឯកវចនៈ - Referring to only one person or thing.
- Plural: (Adjective) - ពហុវចនៈ - Referring to more than one person or thing.