Writing: Basic Mechanics and Formation (Review and Accuracy) (B1) - Lesson 3: Using Apostrophes for Contractions and Basic Possession

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?

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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.

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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.

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1. My (sisters / sister's) name is Leakena. (I have one sister).

Answer: sister's (The name belongs to one sister.)

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2. (Its / It's) too late to go to the market now.

Answer: It's (because it means "It is" too late).

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3. The hotel is famous for (its / it's) beautiful swimming pool.

Answer: its (because the pool belongs to the hotel).

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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.

1. the phone belonging to my brother → _________________
2. the recommendations of my friends → _________________

Part 2: Write your own sentences.

1. Write one sentence using the contraction for "she is".
2. Write one sentence using the possessive form of your father's name.

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Answers (Part 1): 1. my brother's phone, 2. my friends' recommendations

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Apostrophe: (Noun) - សញ្ញាកាត់ - The punctuation mark (') used to show possession or to indicate the omission of letters. ↩
2. Contraction: (Noun) - ពាក្យកាត់ - A shorter form of a word or group of words, where an apostrophe replaces missing letters. ↩
3. Possession / Ownership: (Noun) - កម្មសិទ្ធិ - The state of having or owning something. ↩
4. Singular: (Adjective) - ឯកវចនៈ - Referring to only one person or thing.
5. Plural: (Adjective) - ពហុវចនៈ - Referring to more than one person or thing.