Apostrophes

Definition

Apostrophes are punctuation marks used primarily to indicate possession or the omission of letters in contractions. They help clarify meaning and convey the relationship between words, making sentences easier to understand. Proper use of apostrophes is essential in writing to avoid confusion and maintain professionalism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Apostrophes are used to show possession, such as 'the cat's toy' meaning the toy belonging to the cat.
2. In contractions, apostrophes replace omitted letters, like in 'it's' for 'it is' or 'they're' for 'they are'.
3. It's important not to confuse 'its' (possessive form) with 'it's' (contraction of it is).
4. When making plural nouns possessive, the apostrophe placement depends on whether the noun is singular or plural; for example, 'the dogs' owner' versus 'the dog's owner'.
5. Using apostrophes correctly contributes to clear and effective communication in writing, which is crucial in journalism.

Review Questions

• Explain how apostrophes function in both possession and contraction, providing examples.
  • Apostrophes serve two main purposes: indicating possession and forming contractions. For possession, they show ownership; for instance, in 'the teacher's book', the apostrophe indicates that the book belongs to the teacher. In contractions, they replace omitted letters, as seen in 'can't', which stands for 'cannot'. Understanding these functions helps ensure clarity in writing.
• Discuss the common mistakes journalists make when using apostrophes and their impact on clarity.
  • Journalists often confuse possessive forms with contractions, leading to errors such as using 'it's' instead of 'its' when indicating possession. This mistake can create confusion for readers, as it alters the intended meaning of a sentence. Ensuring proper apostrophe usage is vital for maintaining professionalism and preventing miscommunication in news articles.
• Evaluate the importance of mastering apostrophe usage in journalism and its effects on reader perception.
  • Mastering apostrophe usage is crucial for journalists because it directly affects how their work is perceived by readers. Accurate punctuation enhances credibility and authority; frequent errors can undermine a journalist's professionalism and distract from their message. Furthermore, clear communication fosters trust with the audience, which is essential in delivering news effectively. Thus, understanding apostrophes not only aids in grammatical accuracy but also plays a significant role in shaping public perception of journalistic integrity.

Related terms

Contractions: Words formed by combining two words and omitting some letters, typically indicated by an apostrophe, like 'can't' for 'cannot.'

Possessive: A grammatical case used to indicate ownership or a relationship between nouns, often shown with an apostrophe followed by 's'.

Punctuation: Symbols used in writing that help organize and clarify meaning, including commas, periods, question marks, and apostrophes.