TED-ED: When to use apostrophes - Laura McClure

The video tutorial provides a refresher on the usage of apostrophes, covering their application in marking possession, contractions, and the plural of single letters. It explains the nuances of apostrophe placement, especially with proper nouns ending in 's', and highlights the importance of consistency in style. The tutorial also clarifies the common confusion between 'its' and 'it's', emphasizing that 'it's' is only used as a contraction for 'it is' or 'it has'. The video concludes with a brief overview of the discussed concepts.

What are the three main uses of apostrophes?

• To mark possession, the start of a sentence, and the plural of single letters

• To mark possession, contraction, and the end of a sentence

• To mark contraction, the start of a sentence, and the end of a sentence

• To mark possession, contraction, and the plural of single letters

When showing possession, where should the apostrophe be placed?

• Next to the verb in the sentence

• At the end of the sentence

• Next to the noun that owns something

• At the beginning of the sentence

How do professional writers handle the use of apostrophes with proper nouns ending in 's'?

• They avoid using apostrophes altogether

• They follow a strict grammar rule

• They use apostrophes only in dialogue

• They choose a style and maintain consistency

When should 'it's' include an apostrophe?

• When it is at the beginning of a sentence

• When it shows possession

• When it is at the end of a sentence

• When it is a contraction for 'it is' or 'it has'

What is a rare case of apostrophe usage in contractions?

• Using apostrophes in the middle of a word

• Using double contractions

• Using apostrophes at the end of a sentence

• Using apostrophes at the beginning of a sentence