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Apostrophe Omission And Possession – Quiz 1
Apostrophe Omission And Possession Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding and application of apostrophe usage in English grammar, focusing on contractions and possession. It covers skills such as proper use of apostrophes for showing possession, formation of contractions with auxiliary verbs, and identifying correct apostrophe placement.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Is the apostrophe below for possession or for a contraction (omission of letters) of a pronoun and verb?
A) Singular noun.
B) Omission/contraction.
C) Plural possession.
D) Possession.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The apostrophe in the given context is used for an omission/contraction, not for possession or plural possession. Contractions typically involve the merging of two words with the removal of letters and the addition of an apostrophe (e.g., "do not" becomes "don't").
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Singular noun - Incorrect; apostrophes are not used for singular nouns to indicate possession.
Option B:
Omission/contraction - Correct; the apostrophe indicates a contraction of letters in a pronoun and verb (e.g., "I am" becomes "I'm").
Option C:
Plural possession - Incorrect; apostrophes are not used for plural nouns to indicate possession.
Option D:
Possession - Incorrect; the apostrophe is not used for showing possession in this case.
2.
What is the function of the apostrophe in the sentence: "John's book is on the table."
A) Omission.
B) Plural.
C) Combine two words.
D) Possession.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The apostrophe in "John's" indicates possession, showing that the book belongs to John.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Omission - Incorrect. The apostrophe is used for a specific grammatical purpose.
Option B:
Plural - Incorrect. Apostrophes are not used to form plurals in English.
Option C:
Combine two words - Incorrect. Apostrophes do not combine words; they modify them, as in contractions or possession.
Option D:
Possession - Correct. The apostrophe in "John's" shows that the book belongs to John.
3.
The sentence below in red is incorrect. It is missing a singular possessive apostrophe. The subject noun, teacher, does NOT need to be made plural. Where should the possessive apostrophe go in the sentence below? The teachers computer is brand new.
A) The teacher' computer is brand new.
B) The teacher's computer is brand new.
C) The teachers' computer is brand new.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) The teacher's computer is brand new.
This option correctly places the singular possessive apostrophe after "teacher" to indicate that the computer belongs to the teacher. In English, when a noun shows possession over a single object, we add an apostrophe followed by an 's' at the end of the noun (except for proper nouns ending in 's').
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; it uses a plural possessive form which is unnecessary.
Option B:
Correct; it properly places the singular possessive apostrophe after "teacher" to indicate ownership.
Option C:
Incorrect; it incorrectly adds an apostrophe to "teachers," making it plural and potentially ambiguous.
Option D:
Incorrect; there is a correct answer among the options provided.
4.
We cant go outside until we finish our homework.
A) Correct.
B) Incorrect.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "We cant go outside until we finish our homework." is grammatically incorrect due to the omission of an apostrophe in "cant," which should be "can't." The apostrophe is necessary to indicate the contraction of "can" and "not."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The sentence has a grammatical error.
Option B:
Correct. The sentence does contain an apostrophe omission, making it incorrect.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option suggests all options are correct, which is not the case.
Option D:
Incorrect. None of the options accurately describe the situation without error.
5.
Tick the sentence that uses an apostrophe correctly
A) The citie's lights were twinkling brightly.
B) The citys' lights were twinkling brightly.
C) The city's lights were twinkling brightly.
D) The citys light's were twinkling brightly.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C uses the apostrophe correctly to indicate possession, showing that the lights belong to the city. The correct form is "city's" with an apostrophe before 's'.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; extra apostrophe after 'e' in "citie's".
Option B:
Incorrect; no apostrophe at all.
Option C:
Correct; uses the apostrophe properly for possession.
Option D:
Incorrect; extra 's' after "city" and plural subject "light's".
6.
Identify the correct use of apostrophe for omission in the sentence:'Its a beautiful day outside.'
A) It's a beautiful day outside.
B) Its' a beautiful day outside.
C) Its a beautiful day outside.
D) It is' a beautiful day outside.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The apostrophe in "It's" is used to indicate a contraction, meaning "it is." This usage correctly omits the 'i' and replaces it with an apostrophe when combining "it" and "is."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses proper contraction for "it is."
Option B:
Incorrect. The apostrophe should not be placed after "Its."
Option C:
Incorrect. No apostrophe needed here as no omission or possession is indicated.
Option D:
Incorrect. The apostrophe placement is wrong for this contraction.
7.
Which two possessive forms are correct for a name like "James" spelled with an S? Remember, this is the name of one person (singular noun). Have you seen ..... car? OR Have you seen ..... car?
A) James's or James'.
B) James' OR Jame.
C) Jame's OR James'ss.
D) Jame's or James'.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct possessive form for a singular noun like "James" is either "James's" or "James'". This rule applies because the apostrophe can be used to indicate possession in singular nouns ending with an 's'. Both forms are acceptable, though "James'" is more commonly seen.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Both "James's" and "James'" are valid possessive forms for a singular noun.
Option B:
Incorrect. "James' OR Jame." is not correct; only the name with an 's' should be considered, and "Jame" is incorrect.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Jame's OR James'ss" is not a valid form; "Jame" is incorrect, and "James'ss" adds unnecessary 's'.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Jame's or James'" includes an incorrect name and the wrong possessive form for "James".
8.
Which of these is never a function of an apostrophe
A) Plural.
B) Possession.
C) Omission.
D) Contraction.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The apostrophe is never used to indicate a plural form in English. It is used for possession (B) and contractions (D), as well as omissions (C). Plural forms are typically indicated by adding -s or -es to the end of a word, with some exceptions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Apostrophes do not denote plural.
Option B:
Incorrect. Apostrophes are used for possession.
Option C:
Incorrect. Apostrophes can indicate omissions, such as in contractions or possessives with apostrophe-s.
Option D:
Incorrect. Apostrophes are used in contractions like "can't" and "it's".
9.
Which of the following sentences uses the apostrophe correctly for omission?
A) Shell go to the market later.
B) Shell' go to the market later.
C) She'll go to the market later.
D) She' ll go to the market later.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C uses the apostrophe correctly for omission in "She'll," which is a contraction of "She will." The apostrophe in this context indicates the omitted letter 'w' from 'will.'
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. No apostrophe needed here as it's not an omission.
Option B:
Incorrect. An apostrophe is required but placed incorrectly, indicating the omission of a letter that isn't there.
Option C:
Correct. Proper use of apostrophe for contraction "She'll" (short for "She will").
Option D:
Incorrect. The apostrophe is misplaced and unnecessary here, as it's not an omission but a contraction.
10.
Correct APOSTROPHE usage?One STUDENT'S book is missing.
A) YES.
B) NO.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The apostrophe in "One STUDENT'S book is missing" correctly indicates possession, showing that the book belongs to a single student. Therefore, the claimed correct answer A) YES is accurate.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct as it accurately states that the apostrophe usage is proper.
Option B:
Incorrect because the apostrophe usage is not omitted and is correctly used for possession.
Option C:
Incorrect since only one option (A) is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect as there is a correct answer among the options provided.
11.
I can't wait to eat my birthday cake!
A) Correct.
B) Incorrect.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I can't wait to eat my birthday cake!" is grammatically correct and does not require an apostrophe for possession in this context. The word "birthday" is used as an adjective, modifying the noun "cake," and thus no possessive form is needed.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence is grammatically correct without needing an apostrophe.
Option B:
Incorrect. The sentence does not require an apostrophe for possession.
Option C:
All the above. Not applicable as only one option (A) is correct.
Option D:
None of the above. Not applicable as Option A is correct.
12.
When do we use an apostrophe in a contraction?
A) To emphasize a word.
B) To separate two words.
C) To indicate the omission of one or more letters in a word.
D) To indicate possession.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The apostrophe in a contraction is used to indicate the omission of one or more letters in a word, typically when joining two words together (e.g., "do not" becomes "don't").
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Apostrophes do not emphasize words; they are used for contractions and possessives.
Option B:
Incorrect. While apostrophes can be used to separate elements in certain cases (like in some contractions), this is not their primary function.
Option C:
Correct. This accurately describes the use of an apostrophe in a contraction, showing the omission of letters from words like "is" becoming "isn't".
Option D:
Incorrect. Apostrophes are not used to indicate possession; they serve that purpose with possessive nouns (e.g., "the cat's toy").
13.
Give an example of using an apostrophe to show possession.
A) The book's covers.
B) The dog's bone.
C) The cars' engine.
D) The cats toys.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The apostrophe in "dog's" indicates possession, showing that the bone belongs to the dog. This is a correct use of an apostrophe for singular possessive nouns.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. No apostrophe needed as it refers to multiple books.
Option B:
Correct. The apostrophe shows the bone belongs to the dog.
Option C:
Incorrect. Apostrophes are not used for plural possessives in this case.
Option D:
Incorrect. No apostrophe needed as it refers to multiple cats and their toys.
14.
How do you show possession for a name that ends in 's', like 'James'?
A) You can add 's' after the apostrophe, like 'James's book'.
B) You should not add anything, just use 'James book'.
C) You can add 'es', like 'Jameses book'.
D) You can only add an apostrophe, like 'James' book'.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is A) You can add 's' after the apostrophe, like 'James's book'. This rule applies to singular proper nouns ending in 's', where an additional 's' is added after the apostrophe to indicate possession.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Adding 's' after the apostrophe for names ending in 's' is a standard rule.
Option B:
Incorrect. No additional letters are needed; just an apostrophe followed by 's'.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option suggests adding 'es', which is not applicable for names ending in 's'.
Option D:
Incorrect. Only the apostrophe and 's' are needed, no additional apostrophe.
15.
What does 'the plane's wings' mean?
A) It refers to the wings of any aircraft.
B) It indicates the wings are detachable.
C) It means the wings are made of metal.
D) It means the wings belong to the plane.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "the plane's wings" uses an apostrophe to indicate possession, meaning the wings belong to the plane. This is a clear example of how possessive apostrophes are used in English grammar to show that one noun belongs to or is associated with another.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The phrase does not specify any type of aircraft, just that the wings belong to a plane.
Option B:
Incorrect. There is no indication in the phrase that the wings are detachable.
Option C:
Incorrect. The material composition of the wings is not mentioned or implied by the use of an apostrophe.
Option D:
Correct. The apostrophe indicates possession, meaning the wings belong to the plane.
16.
Your friends, Jorge and Shareef, are here to pick up their books that you borrowed. Where did you put your ..... books?
A) Friend's.
B) Friends'.
C) Friends.
D) Friend.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Friends'
. When referring to possession by multiple people, we use the apostrophe with the plural form of the noun (Friends'). This indicates that the books belong to both Jorge and Shareef collectively.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Friend's" is incorrect because it uses a singular possessive form for multiple people.
Option B:
"Friends'" is correct as it properly indicates possession by multiple individuals.
Option C:
"Friends" is just the plural noun and does not indicate possession.
Option D:
"Friend" is singular and cannot be used to show possession of books belonging to two people.
17.
What does 'can't' stand for?
A) 'cannot'.
B) 'can'.
C) 'can not'.
D) 'won't'.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The term 'can't' is a contraction of 'cannot', which means unable to do something. It does not stand for 'can' (Option B) or 'won't' (Option D), nor does it mean 'can not' in the literal sense (Option C).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. 'Can't' is a contraction of 'cannot', indicating inability.
Option B:
Incorrect. 'Can' means able to do something, not unable.
Option C:
Incorrect. While 'can not' means unable, it is not how 'can't' is formed or used.
Option D:
Incorrect. 'Won't' stands for 'will not', indicating refusal or inability in the future tense, not present ability.
18.
Identify the function of the punctuationHer cat's paw was injured.
A) Possession.
B) Omission.
C) Plural.
D) Combine two words.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The apostrophe in "cat's" indicates possession, showing that the injury belongs to the cat.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The apostrophe shows possession.
Option B:
Incorrect. There is no omission of an apostrophe or any other punctuation.
Option C:
Incorrect. The apostrophe does not indicate a plural form.
Option D:
Incorrect. The apostrophe does not combine words.
19.
How do you form a contraction with the words "do not" ?
A) Don't.
B) Do'nt.
C) Dont'.
D) Do'nt.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The contraction of "do not" is formed by combining the two words with an apostrophe, resulting in "don't". This follows the rule that when forming contractions with auxiliary verbs like "do", you omit the vowel and add an apostrophe.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Don't" is the proper contraction of "do not".
Option B:
Incorrect. The apostrophe should be placed between the 'd and 't, not after the 'n'.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option omits the apostrophe entirely.
Option D:
Incorrect. Similar to Option B, this places the apostrophe incorrectly.
20.
Select the sentence that correctly uses apostrophes for joint possession.
A) Sarah and Tom's house is on the corner.
B) Sarah's and Tom's house is on the corner.
C) Sarahs' and Toms' house is on the corner.
D) Sarahs and Toms house is on the corner.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Sarah and Tom's house is on the corner.
This sentence correctly uses an apostrophe to indicate joint possession by both individuals, Sarah and Tom.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct use of apostrophes for joint possession.
Option B:
Incorrect; the apostrophe should be singular as it indicates joint ownership.
Option C:
Incorrect; the apostrophe is incorrectly placed, and the spelling of "Sarahs" and "Toms" is wrong.
Option D:
Incorrect; no apostrophes are used to indicate possession.
21.
Give an example of a contraction.
A) Can't.
B) Doesnot.
C) Wo'nt.
D) Shouldnt'.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A contraction is a shortened form of two words written together, often with an apostrophe to show the omission of one or more letters. In this case, "can not" becomes "can't," which uses an apostrophe to indicate that 'n' has been omitted.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Can't" is a contraction formed by omitting the 'n' from "can not."
Option B:
Incorrect. This option does not use an apostrophe and represents a misspelling of "does not," which would be "doesn't."
Option C:
Incorrect. The apostrophe is missing, making it incorrect as a contraction. It should be "won't" for "will not."
Option D:
Incorrect. This option does not use an apostrophe and represents a misspelling of "should not," which would be "shouldn't."
22.
There are three students in the classroom. Has the teacher graded the ..... assignments yet?
A) Students'.
B) Student's.
C) Students.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Students'
. In this sentence, "Students'" is used to show possession of the assignments by multiple students. The apostrophe in "Students'" indicates that the assignments belong to more than one student. Without an apostrophe (Option C), it would imply a singular noun or no possession, which does not fit the context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates multiple students' ownership.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Student's" implies only one student's assignments were graded.
Option C:
Incorrect. No apostrophe means no possession indicated.
Option D:
Incorrect. At least one correct option exists (A).
23.
Identify the function of the punctuationHe can't go out this evening
A) Possession.
B) Plural.
C) Combine two words.
D) Omission.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "He can't go out this evening" does not require an apostrophe because there is no possessive element involved. The omission in the sentence refers to the contraction of "can not," where "can't" is used instead. This usage does not pertain to possession, plurals, or combining two words.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Possession - Incorrect. There is no possessive element in the sentence.
Option B:
Plural - Incorrect. The sentence does not involve plural nouns or pronouns.
Option C:
Combine two words - Incorrect. "Can't" is a contraction, not a combination of two separate words.
Option D:
Omission - Correct. "Can't" is a contraction for "can not," which involves the omission of the letter 'a' in the middle of the word.
24.
Which of these is not a function of an apostrophe?
A) Possession.
B) Plural.
C) Omission.
D) Contraction.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An apostrophe is used for possession, contraction, and omission in the context of contractions (such as "can't" from "cannot"). It is not used to indicate a plural form.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct - Apostrophes are used for indicating possession.
Option B:
Incorrect - Plural forms do not use apostrophes.
Option C:
Correct - Omission is part of contractions, which use apostrophes.
Option D:
Correct - Apostrophes are used in contractions like "it's" from "it is".
25.
What is the correct way to write 'didnt' with an apostrophe?
A) Didn't.
B) Did'nt.
C) Didnt'.
D) Didn'ts.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct way to write 'didnt' with an apostrophe is
Didn't.
The apostrophe in contractions like this one indicates the omission of a letter, which in this case is the 'o' from 'do.' Therefore, Option A) Didn't. is the correct answer.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses an apostrophe to indicate the omitted 'o' and maintains proper contraction form.
Option B:
Incorrect. The apostrophe should be placed before the 't,' not after it, as in "Did'nt." This is a common mistake but incorrect for contractions like this one.
Option C:
Incorrect. The apostrophe is missing entirely, making it an incomplete contraction and thus wrong.
Option D:
Incorrect. Adding an 's' at the end makes it plural, which is not appropriate for a singular subject-verb agreement in this context.
26.
How do you make the contraction for was not?
A) Wasn't.
B) Wasnnt.
C) Was'nt.
D) Wasnt'.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The contraction for "was not" is formed by combining the word "was" with the auxiliary verb "not," which requires an apostrophe to indicate the omission of a letter. The correct form is "wasn't."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Wasn't" properly combines "was" and "not" with an apostrophe.
Option B:
Incorrect. Missing the apostrophe, making it incorrect.
Option C:
Incorrect. The apostrophe is placed incorrectly after the 's', which should be before the 't'.
Option D:
Incorrect. No apostrophe is used, and the placement of the apostrophe is wrong.
27.
Identify the function of the apostrophe in the sentence: "She'll arrive soon."
A) Combine two words.
B) Possession.
C) Omission.
D) Plural.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The apostrophe in "She'll" is used for omission, indicating the contraction of two words: "She" and "will." This usage does not involve combining two words (A), showing possession (B), or creating a plural form (D).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Apostrophes are not used to combine words.
Option B:
Incorrect. Possession is indicated by an apostrophe followed by 's, as in "She's."
Option C:
Correct. The apostrophe in "She'll" shows the omission of a letter ("will" becomes "ll").
Option D:
Incorrect. Apostrophes are not used to form plurals.
28.
How do we use an apostrophe to show possession?
A) We use an apostrophe and an 's' after the noun.
B) We use an apostrophe and an 's' in the middle of the noun.
C) We use an apostrophe and an 's' before the noun.
D) We use an apostrophe and an 's' after the verb.
Show Answer
Explanations:
To show possession using an apostrophe, we use an apostrophe and an 's' after the noun. This rule applies to most singular nouns (e.g., "John's book") and plural nouns that do not end in 's' (e.g., "children's toys"). For plural nouns ending in 's', only an apostrophe is added (e.g., "girls' games").
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Use an apostrophe and an 's' after the noun.
Option B:
Incorrect. An apostrophe and 's' are not placed in the middle of a word.
Option C:
Incorrect. An apostrophe and 's' are added after, not before, the noun.
Option D:
Incorrect. Apostrophes for possession are not used after verbs.
29.
What is an apostrophe?
A) A symbol used in mathematics to denote a prime number.
B) A type of literary device used to address an absent person.
C) A mark used to separate items in a list.
D) A punctuation mark used to show possession or indicate omitted letters.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An apostrophe is a punctuation mark used to show possession (e.g., John's book) or indicate omitted letters in contractions (e.g., can't for cannot). This makes option D the correct answer.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Apostrophes are not used in mathematics to denote prime numbers.
Option B:
Incorrect. While apostrophes can be part of contractions that might address someone, they are not primarily a literary device for addressing absent people.
Option C:
Incorrect. Commas or semicolons typically separate items in a list, not apostrophes.
Option D:
Correct. Apostrophes show possession and indicate omitted letters in contractions.
30.
To show joint possession, add ..... to the ..... noun.(Find the note and answer in the worksheet, Apostrophes Practice 1 on Canvas. Look closely.)
A) 's ; s'.
B) S' ; last.
C) 's ; last.
D) 's ; joint.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is C) 's ; last. When showing joint possession, you add the apostrophe and "s" to the last name in a compound noun. For example, if two people jointly own something, like "John and Mary's house," only the last name gets the apostrophe and "s."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because it suggests adding 's to both nouns, which is not necessary for joint possession.
Option B:
Incorrect as S' would imply an apostrophe before the last name, which is wrong.
Option C:
Correct as explained above.
Option D:
Incorrect because it suggests adding 's to both nouns and "joint," which is not needed for joint possession.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between apostrophe omission and contraction?
Apostrophe omission refers to leaving out an apostrophe where one should be used, such as in "their books" instead of "theirs books." Contraction formation involves using an apostrophe to show omitted letters, like in "don't" for "do not."
How do you use apostrophes with plural possessive nouns?
For plural possessive nouns, add an apostrophe after the s at the end of the word. For example, "girls' toys" indicates that the toys belong to multiple girls.
Can you use an apostrophe with a singular proper noun?
Yes, when forming contractions or possessives with singular proper nouns, add an apostrophe. For example, "O'Connor's book" shows that the book belongs to O'Connor.
What is joint possession and how do you indicate it?
Joint possession occurs when two or more people share ownership of something. To show this, add an apostrophe to the last name in a series. For example, "John and Jane's house" indicates that both John and Jane own the house.
Why is it important to understand apostrophe usage rules?
Understanding apostrophe usage rules helps ensure clarity in writing, preventing confusion about ownership or contractions. Proper use of apostrophes enhances the readability and correctness of text.