Apostrophe, Quotation & Word Choice

Apostrophe, Quotation & Word ChoiceChapters 37, 38 & 43

The Apostrophe

• Two uses:– Create a contraction (can’t)

– Demonstrate possession

Possessive vs. Plural

• Add an “S” when there’s more than one– I love all four dogs.

• Add an apostrophe only to demonstrate ownership.– That is the dog’s ball.

Possessive Pronouns

• Mine, his, hers, yours, its

– Already demonstrate possession and do not require an apostrophe

Grammar Girl : Apostrophe Catastrophe

Let’s Practice!

• Activity 4, page 544

Quotation Marks

• Place quotes around the exact words of a speaker

• Also place quotes around the titles of short works

Commas & Quotes

• She said, “Don’t tell lies.”

• “I don’t tell lies,” he exclaimed.

• “You know,” she insisted, “that you are a liar.”

Indirect Quotations

Let’s Practice!

• Activity 1, pages 547-548

Word Choice

• Avoid clichés, pretentious language, and slang.

Cliches

Pretentious Language

• Avoid overly complicated language.

– My progenitors have negative savings.

– My parents are in debt.

Slang

Activities

• Activity 1, pages 586-587• Activity 2, page 588• Activity 4, page 590