Lesson 1: Apostrophes (Possession & Contractions)

Welcome! Apostrophes ( ' ) are tiny punctuation marks, but they cause a lot of confusion for English learners.

We use them for two main reasons: to show who owns something (possession) and to push two words together (contractions). Let's look at how to use them correctly so your writing looks perfect.

warning Common Mistake

Many languages do not have a specific punctuation mark to show ownership; they just place the owner after the object. In English, you must add an apostrophe and an S ('s). Also, be careful not to confuse It's (It is) with Its (Possessive). Example: It's raining on its roof.

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Interactive Concepts

Contraction

It's

A contraction of "It is" or "It has".

Example: It's very hot at the market today.

Contraction

Don't

A contraction of "Do not". Used to tell someone not to do something.

Example: Please don't forget to bring your umbrella.

Contraction

I'm

A contraction of "I am".

Example: I'm excited to try the famous fish amok.

Possession

Sophea's

Shows that something belongs to one person (Singular possession).

Example: We rode in Sophea's new tuk-tuk to the temple.

Possession

Students'

Shows that something belongs to multiple people. Notice the apostrophe is AFTER the 's'.

Example: The teacher collected all the students' notebooks.

Contraction

Can't

A contraction of "Cannot".

Example: We can't visit the pagoda during the heavy rain.

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Knowledge Check

smartphone Texting a Friend

You want to write a text message saying "I am at the market." Which contraction is correct?

(Hint: We need to combine "I" and "am".)

search Finding the Owner

You find a hat belonging to your friend Dara. How do you correctly write "The hat of Dara"?

(Hint: Dara is singular, so the apostrophe comes before the 's'.)

storefront Reading a Sign

A shop sign says "____ closed on Mondays." Which word fills the blank?

(Hint: We need a contraction meaning "It is".)

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Study Resources

Lesson Summary & Review

Let's review the key concepts covered in the interactive module above to ensure you are ready to use apostrophes correctly.

Possession (Ownership)

• Singular: When one person owns something, add 's. (Example: "Dara's book.")
• Plural: When multiple people own something (and the word already ends in 's'), just add the apostrophe after the s. (Example: "The students' classroom.")

Contractions

Contractions are two words pushed together to make speaking and writing faster. The apostrophe takes the place of the missing letters.

• It's = It is or It has
• Don't = Do not
• I'm = I am
• Can't = Cannot