We use an apostrophe for two purposes:1.to show belonging or possession.eg. the book belongs to the boy -The boy's book2.to fill in for missing letters.(contractions)eg. I am -I'mActivity One:Fill in the blanks using words with an apostrophe. The example shows you how:The leaves belong to the tree. Thetree'sleaves were falling off.1. The ball belonged to the children. Theball was lost in the garden.2. The pen belongs to the teacher. Thepen is lying on the floor.3. The flower belonged to Emily.flower was beautiful.4. Tim had a house.house was spacious.5. Father had a hobby.hobby was painting.Activity Two:Choose the right spelling for the contractions. Remember the apostrophe takes the place of the missing letter or letters.1. I (did not)have a pencil yesterday.2. (You are)my best friend.3. (He would)often come to my garden.4. (She is)the most intelligent girl in her class.5. We (can not)miss our English lesson.6.(I had)not bought a house yet.7. (We have)to meet her tomorrow.8. (I will)give her a gift on her birthday.9. You (will not)tell her our secret.10. I (would not)make such a mistake.1. His ____ house is up for sale.

a.) fathers

b.) father's

2. Total Quality Management is one of the important ____ in this course.

a.) concepts

b.) concept's

3. She was stressed out because she wrote all her ____ at the last minute.

a.) papers

b.) paper's

4. Good management ____ good leadership.

a.) requires

b.) require's

5. Good study ____ require self-discipline.

a.) skills

b.) skill's

6. In order to be a good leader, one must have good ____.

a.) followers

b.) follower's

7. The ____ vice president is related to the president.

a.) companys

b.) company's

8. My only ____ stocks went up yesterday.

a.) sisters

b.) sister's

9. The ____ presentation was very good.

a.) students

b.) student's

10. My ____ husband is my husband's brother-in-law.

a.) sisters

b.) sister's

1'__________ left their shoes in the doorway again?' shouted mum.Top of Forma)Whose

b)Who's

Bottom of Form

2'__________ shoes are these?' shouted mum.Top of Forma)Whose

b)Who's

Bottom of Form

3I'm not sure __________ coming to the cinema tonight.Top of Forma)whose

b)who's

Bottom of Form

4I couldn't tell _________ books were left on the table.Top of Forma)whose

b)who's

Bottom of Form

5Paul is the one _________ going to make this team something special.Top of Forma)whose

b)who's

Bottom of Form

6Paul is the player __________ skills will make this team something special.Top of Forma)whose

b)who's

Bottom of Form

7I've no idea ___________ got the best marks for the grammar exam.Top of Forma)whose

b)who's

Bottom of Form

8Tim was unsure __________ office he was meant to go to.Top of Forma)whose

b)who's

Bottom of Form

9'__________ stolen my wallet?' he shouted.Top of Forma)Whose

b)Who's

Bottom of Form

10I would like to know _________ smelly socks these are.Top of Forma)whose

b)who's

Bottom of Form

COLONWhat is a colon?A colon is used primarily to demonstrate a balance between items on each side of it. A writer uses a colon to introduce a list or to prepare the reader for a quote.Example #1Dinner will consist of the following: tuna fish, carrots, and a slice of pita bread.Explanation: The colon serves as a cue to the reader that writer is about to name the items being served.Example #2Many brave people try to live by Eleanor Roosevelt's famous words: "You must do the thing you think you cannot do."Explanation: The colon tells the reader that the writer is about to introduce a quote.Caution: The words before a colon must comprise a complete sentence whereas the words after the colon do not need to. However, if the words after the colon do comprise a complete sentence, then the first letter after the word should be capitalized; otherwise, the first letter is not capitalized.

1. Many jobs interest me teaching, writing, editing, and social work.

a.) job, interest

b.) interest, me

c.) me: teaching

2. There were a number of famous people at the restaurant Brittany Spears, Jack Nicholson, and Helen Hunt.

a.) people: at

b.) restaurant: Brittany

c.) Nicholson: and

3. There are a lot of chores I do not like doing dishes, washing windows, and vacuuming rugs.

a.) doing: dishes

b.) like: doing

c.) dishes: washing

4. He was a world class athlete a rowing champion.

a.) was: a

b.) class: athlete

c.) athlete: a

5. She did not pass the most important of her exams math.

a.) pass: the

b.) important: of

c.) exams: math

6. I like all kinds of desserts lemon pie, carrot cake, strawberry ice cream, and chocolate pudding.

a.) kinds: of

b.) desserts: lemon

c.) cake: strawberry

7. Some cities are known for being friendly Buffalo.

a.) are: known

b.) known: for

c.) friendly: Buffalo

8. There are several hobbies I particularly enjoy cake decorating, dancing, and bicycling.

a.) enjoy: cake

b.) hobbies: I

c.) dancing: and

9. One factor made our winter more difficult than usual ice storms.

a.) winter: more

b.) usual: ice

c.) ice: storms

10. She prized only one possession her diamond necklace.

a.) prized: only

b.) only: one

c.) possession: her

1. Some items I want to buy at the grocery store are the following bread, butter, jelly, honey, and milk.

store: are

following: bread

no colon

2. Above all traits, I prize one in particular kindness.

one: in

particular: kindness

no colon

3. To construct this poster, I need the following items poster board, markers, and a ruler.

following: items

items: poster

no colon

4. He wants to try out for all three sports teams, including baseball, basketball, hockey.

teams: including

for: all

no colon

5. If only the handyman could do one thing fix the sink.

do: one

thing: fix

no colon

6. The grocery store at the corner sells all kinds of food products as well as some camping supplies.

corner: sells

products: as

no colon

7. Mark Twain once said this "the reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated."

this: the

once: said

no colon

8. Many tennis players excel in one other sport, usually a racquet sport.

players: excel

sport: usually

no colon

9. Since he does not know algebra, he should probably register for basic math.

algebra: he

probably: register

no colon

10. John F. Kennedy made this statement "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country."

made: this

statement: ask

no colon

CommaWe will go out to dinner tonight and they will join us.

a.) dinner, tonight

b.) tonight, and

c.) they, will

2. I would like to get this job done in a hurry but I think it will take a long time.

a.) done, in

b.) hurry, but

c.) think, it

3. I could study chemistry tonight or I could wait until tomorrow night.

a.) tonight, or

b.) wait, until

c.) until, tomorrow

4. The students in the class believe there will be no final exam but the instructor has repeatedly announced there will be.

a.) believe, there

b.) exam, but

c.) announced, there

5. I can`t study everything all at once so I will study the most important concepts.

a.) everything, all

b.) once, so

c.) most, important

6. I won`t study the first chapter but I know it will be on the exam.

a.) chapter, but

b.) know, it

c.) be, on

7. I would like to study for this exam a little at a time yet I remember more when I cram the night before.

a.) exam, a

b.) study, for

c.) time, yet

8. I don`t enjoy the study of chemistry much nor do I like the other natural sciences.

a.) enjoy, the

b.) chemistry, much

c.) much, nor

9. I enjoy college because I like to study literature and I like that better than history.

a.) college, because

b.) literature, and

c.) better, than

10. It is said that a well-rounded education requires a little bit of knowledge about a lot of subjects or it could require a lot of knowledge about a few subjects.

a.) education, requires

b.) knowledge, about

c.) subjects, or

1. Exercising immediately after a heavy meal is I think asking for trouble.

a.) Exercising immediately, after a heavy meal, is I think asking for trouble.

b.) Exercising immediately after a heavy meal is, I think, asking for trouble.

c.) Exercising, immediately after a heavy meal, is I think asking for trouble.

2. The moral of the story is that people should always as a result treat one another with kindness.

a.) The moral, of the story, is that people should always as a result treat one another with kindness.

b.) The moral of the story is, that people should always, as a result treat one another with kindness.

c.) The moral of the story is that people should always, as a result, treat one another with kindness.

3. The problem with making decisions based upon emotion he argued is that sound reasoning sometimes gets lost in the process.

a.) The problem with making decisions based upon emotion, he argued, is that sound reasoning sometimes gets lost in the process.

b.) The problem with making decisions, based upon emotion, he argued is that sound reasoning sometimes gets lost in the process.

c.) The problem with making decisions based upon emotion he argued is that sound reasoning, sometimes, gets lost in the process.

4. Flossing every day in the opinion of most dentists decreases the chances of getting gum disease.

a.) Flossing every day in the opinion of most dentists decreases, the chances of, getting gum disease.

b.) Flossing, every day, in the opinion of most dentists decreases the chances of getting gum disease.

c.) Flossing every day, in the opinion of most dentists, decreases the chances of getting gum disease.

5. We will have an early spring I expect this year.

a.) We will have, an early spring, I expect, this year.

b.) We will have, an early spring, I expect this year.

c.) We will have an early spring, I expect, this year.

6. Two students obviously pranksters replaced the chalk in the classrooms with sticks of white chocolate.

a.) Two students obviously pranksters, replaced the chalk in the classrooms, with sticks of white chocolate.

b.) Two students, obviously pranksters, replaced the chalk in the classrooms with sticks of white chocolate.

c.) Two students obviously pranksters replaced the chalk, in the classrooms, with sticks of white chocolate.

7. If we don't cut up our credit cards right now she asserted we will only descend further into debt.

a.) If we don't cut up our credit cards right now, she asserted, we will only descend further into debt.

b.) If we don't, cut up our credit cards right now she asserted, we will only descend further into debt.

c.) If we don't cut up, our credit cards right now she asserted, we will only descend further into debt.

8. No one I believe should ever be homeless in this country.

a.) No one, I believe, should ever be homeless in this country.

b.) No one I believe, should ever be homeless, in this country.

c.) No one I believe should ever be, homeless, in this country.

9. One toothpaste according to experts is generally the same as another.

a.) One toothpaste according to experts is, generally, the same as another.

b.) One toothpaste, according to experts, is generally the same as another.

c.) One toothpaste, according to experts is generally the same, as another.

10. Alcoholism as stated earlier is a chemical disease that can be altered by behavior.

a.) Alcoholism as stated earlier is a chemical disease, that can be altered, by behavior.

b.) Alcoholism, as stated earlier, is a chemical disease that can be altered by behavior.

c.) Alcoholism, as stated earlier is a chemical disease, that can be altered by behavior.

1. Joan an excellent student is also a nurse.

a.) Joan, an excellent student is also a nurse.

b.) Joan, an excellent student, is also a nurse.

c.) Joan an excellent student is, also, a nurse.

2. Jane watched a movieSophie`s Choicelast week.

a.) Jane watched a movie,Sophie`s Choice, last week.

b.) Jane, watched a movie,Sophie`s Choicelast week.

c.) Jane watched a movieSophie`s Choice, last week.

3. John was astonished when he saw his former girlfriend Jill at the dance.

a.) John was astonished, when he saw his former girlfriend Jill at the dance.

b.) John was astonished, when he saw his former girlfriend, Jill at the dance.

c.) John was astonished when he saw his former girlfriend, Jill, at the dance.

4. When I saw Mr. Walker my old English teacher I immediately thought of grammar.

a.) When I saw, Mr. Walker my old English teacher, I immediately thought of grammar.

b.) When I saw Mr. Walker, my old English teacher, I immediately thought of grammar.

c.) When I saw, Mr. Walker my old English teacher I immediately thought, of grammar.

5. One of my dogs Peppy has been sick for a long time.

a.) One of my dogs, Peppy, has been sick for a long time.

b.) One of my dogs, Peppy has been sick, for a long time.

c.) One of my dogs, Peppy has been sick for a long time.

6. There goes Miguel a great athlete who serves on the Committee for Student Concerns.

a.) There goes Miguel a great athlete, who serves on the Committee for Student Concerns.

b.) There goes Miguel, a great athlete, who serves on the Committee for Student Concerns.

c.) There goes Miguel, a great athlete who serves, on the Committee for Student Concerns.

7. Candy my oldest cat is a calico with a pink and gray nose.

a.) Candy my oldest cat, is a calico, with a pink and gray nose.

b.) Candy, my oldest cat, is a calico, with a pink and gray nose.

c.) Candy, my oldest cat, is a calico with a pink and gray nose.

8. Shona the girl wearing the pink dress is in my biology class.

a.) Shona, the girl, wearing the pink dress is in my biology class.

b.) Shona the girl wearing the pink dress, is in my biology class.

c.) Shona, the girl wearing the pink dress, is in my biology class.

9. This cross made of diamonds was given to me by Steve.

a.) This cross, made of diamonds, was given to me by Steve.

b.) This cross made, of diamonds was given, to me by Steve.

c.) This cross made of diamonds, was given to me, by Steve.

10. This concept the appositive can be a tricky element in grammar.

a.) This concept, the appositive can be a tricky element, in grammar.

b.) This concept, the appositive, can be a tricky element in grammar.

c.) This concept the appositive, can be a tricky element, in grammar.

SemicolonsThere are three uses for the semicolon:1. To join two independentclauses(complete sentences) that are closely related.2. To join two independent clauses when the second clause begins with a conjunctive adverb or a transitional phrase (therefore, however, as a result, in fact, etc.)3. To separate items in a series when one or more of the items contain a comma.Joining Independent ClausesHere the semicolon serves the same purpose as a coordinate conjunction. However, the semicolon is used sparingly whereas the coordinate conjunction may be used often.ExampleOne shouldn't work while on vacation; they are for fun.Explanation: There are two independent clauses, or complete sentences, here. The first isOne shouldn't work while on vacation, and the second isthey are for fun. The semicolon connects the two sentences and emphasizes the relationship between the two.Separating Items in a SeriesHere the semicolon serves the purpose of not confusing the reader when there is already a comma in one or more of the items in a series.ExampleThe people at the party included John, a fellow my husband works with; Sue, John's wife; Joanne, Sue's best friend; and Jerry, Joanne's husband.Explanation: Since the content in the items already contains commas, it would be confusing to the reader to separate these items with commas. Therefore, semicolons are used to separate these items.Joining Two Independent Clauses with a Conjunctive Adverb or Transitional ExpressionThe semicolon immediately precedes the conjunctive adverb and is followed by a comma.ExampleI would go shopping with you; however, I am expecting company.Explanation: There are two independent clauses here, and the second begins with the conjunctive adverbhowever, which further clarifies the relationship between the two sentences.

Aconjunctive adverbis anadverbthat connects two independent clauses. Conjunctive adverbs show cause and effect, sequence, contrast, comparison, or other relationships. The adverbs and adverbial phrases that fit the criteria for a conjunctive adverb are always modifiers of the predicate in the first independent clause.Common conjunctive adverbs accordingly additionally again almost although anyway as a result besides certainly comparatively consequently contrarily conversely elsewhere equally eventually finally further furthermore hence henceforth however in addition in comparison in contrast in fact incidentally indeed instead just as likewise meanwhile moreover namely nevertheless next nonetheless notably now otherwise rather similarly still subsequently that is then thereafter therefore thus undoubtedly uniquely on the other hand

1. It is raining outside I will bring my umbrella with me.

a.) raining

b.) outside

c.) umbrella

2. Hopefully, the weather will change soon otherwise, the whole summer will go by without the sun shining.

a.) soon

b.) otherwise

c.) summer

3. She doesn't understand algebra therefore, she will probably not pass the math final.

a.) understand

b.) algebra

c.) therefore

4. We will play tennis tomorrow then we will go out for dinner.

a.) play

b.) tennis

c.) tomorrow

5. She had very high grades in high school she applied to Harvard University.

a.) grades

b.) school

c.) applied

6. Some colleges offer full time scholarships others do not.

a.) colleges

b.) time

c.) scholarships

7. There is a lot of financial aid available you just have to know where to look for it.

a.) lot

b.) aid

c.) available

8. Some institutions require a lot of financial support from parents some require only a little.

a.) support

b.) parents

c.) require

9. You should always choose a college according to whether you believe you'll be happy you're the one who will be attending for four years.

a.) college

b.) believe

c.) happy

10. It's such a beautiful day I will walk in Niagara Falls.

a.) beautiful

b.) day

c.) walk

Colons and Semicolons Practice ExercisesPractice ExerciseAdd colons and semicolons where necessary in these sentences. You may check your answers below.1. Scott used his sister's cell phone to call Kris he lost his yesterday.2. Liz will meet Kim and Erin at [six o'clock] they have a yoga class at [fifteen minutes after six o'clock].3. We watched Garfield A Tail of Two Kittens after school on Monday.4. [TIME volume number 4, pages 56 75.]5. Add these to your list when you go to the grocery store bread, milk, lunch meat, and cheese.6. Shari owns four dogs three of them are poodles.7. Helen Keller once said "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt within the heart."8. Dear Dr. Klinger9. Lexi likes knitting scarves and hats Gina likes watercolor painting and Mona likes making pottery.10. Our plane leaves at [four o'clock] in the morning therefore, we will leave at [one o'clock] to be sure we arrive on time.11. Harry Spy Aficionado of Fourth Street tops Orland's list of favorite books.12. Kayla's school supply list included a calculator, ruler, and protractor for math a composition book, pocket dictionary, and pens for English and a binder.13. [Newsweek, volume number 5, issue number 26, pages 2229.]14. Ursula will go on stage at [five minutes after six o'clock] Mallory will follow shortly after at [eight minutes after six o'clock] and we'll wrap it up with Sue at [twenty minutes after six o'clock].15. Dear Congressman HendersonAnswers1. Scott used his sister's cell phone to call Kris; he lost his yesterday.2. Liz will meet Kim and Erin at 6:00; they have a yoga class at 6:15.3. We watched Garfield: A Tail of Two Kittens after school on Monday.4. TIME 4:56755. Add these to your list when you go to the grocery store: bread, milk, lunch meat, and cheese.6. Shari owns four dogs; three of them are poodles.7. Helen Keller once said: "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt within the heart."8. Dear Dr. Klinger:9. Lexi likes knitting scarves and hats, Gina likes watercolor painting, and Mona likes making pottery.10. Our plane leaves at 4:00 in the morning; therefore, we will leave at 1:00 to be sure we arrive on time11. Harry: Spy Aficionado of Fourth Street tops Orland's list of favorite books.12. Kayla's school supply list included a calculator, ruler, and protractor for math; a composition book, pocket dictionary, and pens for English; and a binder13. Newsweek 5: 26: 22-29,14. Ursula will go on stage at 6:05; Mallory will follow shortly after at 6:08; and we'll wrap it up with Sue at 6:20.15. Dear Congressman Henderson:

Exercise : Commas vs. Semicolons - Compound SentencesEach of the following sentences needs either a comma or a semicolon. Put in the necessary punctuation.1. Many companies make sugar-free soft drinks, which are flavored by synthetic chemicals the drinks usually contain only one or two calories per serving.2. Mr. Leyland played the viola professionally for many years and he now conducts a community orchestra.3. The crab grass was flourishing but the rest of the lawn, unfortunately, was dying.4. The hill was covered with wildflowers it was a beautiful sight.5. As I turned around, I heard a loud thump for the cat had upset the goldfish bowl.6. The artist preferred to paint in oils he did not like watercolors.7. The house was clean, the table set, and the porch light on everything was ready for the guests' arrival.8. He looked carefully in the underbrush but he failed to notice the pair of green eyes staring at him.9. The foundations of the house had been poured but, to his disappointment, nothing else had been done because of the carpenters' strike.10. The computer could perform millions of operations in a split second however, it could not think spontaneously.11. I thought registration day would be tiring but I didn't know I'd have to stand in so many lines.12. The dog, growling and snarling, snapped at me I was so frightened that I ran.13. The snowstorm dumped twelve inches of snow on the interstate subsequently, the state police closed the road.14. Professors are supposed to be absent-minded and I've seen plenty of evidence to support that claim since I've been in college.15. The suspect said that he had never met the victim however, the detective knew that he was lying.16. In the first place, it was snowing too hard to see the road in the second place, we had no chains.17. I have readSoul on Icebut I have not readThe Invisible Man.18. San Francisco is my favorite city in fact, I plan to spend two weeks there this summer.19. The quarterback made a brilliant pass and the end crossed the goal line for the winning touchdown.20. Large supermarkets fascinate me I can find everything from frozen chow mein to soybean flour in one place.21. Ron and Mike were both in English class this morning they gave an interesting presentation on their research.22. The obstacles are not insurmountable but they are real and formidable.23. Riding a bicycle is excellent exercise I ride mine every day.24. I am not interested in a trip to Asia this year however, I would like to go to Europe.25. Not all highly educated people enjoy traveling, but many world travelers are particularly well educated.26. Jack worked overtime to pay off his education debts at least, that was his explanation for his long hours.27. Katherine has given up smoking about five times but she cannot seem to break the habit.28. His work may be almost totally forgotten but he would certainly be surprised to see how much current scholarship simply echoes his ideas.29. Our dog seems to have a built-in alarm clock he wakes us up at exactly the same time every morning.30. The passengers on the plane were initially alarmed by the loss of altitude but the pilot and the crew kept them calm.31. I realized at once that something was wrong I was not, however, the only person who was concerned.32. I had to complete the assignment by Friday otherwise, I would have failed the course.33. Ralph decided to be a chemist but he changed his mind after taking Chem. 121.34. I finished readingThe Nationand then I went to bed.35. We always go to the mountains in the fall they are at their prettiest at that time of year.36. Tim went to the candy store quite often the clerk even knew his name.37. Criticism of capitalist expansionism does not surface in most discussions of the worldwide ecological crisis indeed, proposed solutions rarely deviate from a basic message of further technological "progress."38. The president has pledged to cut taxes repeatedly and the public has responded enthusiastically.39. The office was closed consequently, I could not pay my bill.40. The air was beautifully clear it was a lovely day.Answers:1. Many companies make sugar-free soft drinks, which are flavored by synthetic chemicals;the drinks usually contain only one or two calories per serving.2. Mr. Leyland played the viola professionally for many years,and he now conducts a community orchestra.3. The crab grass was flourishing,but the rest of the lawn, unfortunately, was dying.4. The hill was covered with wildflowers;it was a beautiful sight.5. As I turned around, I heard a loud thump,for the cat had upset the goldfish bowl.6. The artist preferred to paint in oils;he did not like watercolors.7. The house was clean, the table set, and the porch light on;everything was ready for the guests' arrival.8. He looked carefully in the underbrush,but he failed to notice the pair of green eyes staring at him.9. The foundations of the house had been poured,but, to his disappointment, nothing else had been done because of the carpenters' strike.10. The computer could perform millions of operations in a split second;however, it could not think spontaneously.11. I thought registration day would be tiring,but I didn't know I'd have to stand in so many lines.12. The dog, growling and snarling, snapped at me;I was so frightened that I ran.13. The snowstorm dumped twelve inches of snow on the interstate;subsequently, the state police closed the road.14. Professors are supposed to be absent-minded,and I've seen plenty of evidence to support that claim since I've been in college.15. The suspect said that he had never met the victim;however, the detective knew that he was lying.16. In the first place, it was snowing too hard to see the road;in the second place, we had no chains.17. I have readSoul on Ice,but I have not readThe Invisible Man.18. San Francisco is my favorite city;in fact, I plan to spend two weeks there this summer.19. The quarterback made a brilliant pass,and the end crossed the goal line for the winning touchdown.20. Large supermarkets fascinate me;I can find everything from frozen chow mein to soybean flour in one place.21. Ron and Mike were both in English class this morning;they gave an interesting presentation on their research.22. The obstacles are not insurmountable,but they are real and formidable.23. Riding a bicycle is excellent exercise;I ride mine every day.24. I am not interested in a trip to Asia this year;however, I would like to go to Europe.25. Not all highly educated people enjoy traveling, but many world travelers are particularly well educated.This sentence is correct as is.26. Jack worked overtime to pay off his education debts;at least, that was his explanation for his long hours.27. Katherine has given up smoking about five times,but she cannot seem to break the habit.28. His work may be almost totally forgotten, but he would certainly be surprised to see how much current scholarship simply echoes his ideas.29. Our dog seems to have a built-in alarm clock;he wakes us up at exactly the same time every morning.30. The passengers on the plane were initially alarmed by the loss of altitude,but the pilot and the crew kept them calm.31. I realized at once that something was wrong;I was not, however, the only person who was concerned.32. I had to complete the assignment by Friday;otherwise, I would have failed the course.33. Ralph decided to be a chemist,but he changed his mind after taking Chem. 121.34. I finished readingThe Nation,and then I went to bed.35. We always go to the mountains in the fall;they are at their prettiest at that time of year.36. Tim went to the candy store quite often;the clerk even knew his name.37. Criticism of capitalist expansionism does not surface in most discussions of the worldwide ecological crisis;indeed, proposed solutions rarely deviate from a basic message of further technological "progress."38. The president has pledged to cut taxes repeatedly,and the public has responded enthusiastically.39. The office was closed;consequently, I could not pay my bill.40. The air was beautifully clear;it was a lovely day.