Bonacci

Contraction or Possessive Pronoun?

There’s a “Trick” in this Bag!

Confused?• It is no wonder you feel mixed up!

• It’s or its?• You’re or your?• Who’s or whose?• They’re or their?

• How do you know when to use an apostrophe?

Apostrophe or no Apostrophe?That is the Question!

• There is a TRICK in this bag that will help you figure out when to use the apostrophe!

• Ready to take a peek?

What are Contractions?

• Contractions are two words that have been joined together, and in the process lost one or more letters.

• The apostrophe takes the place of the missing letters!

Contractions

• Let’s look at a few contractions to review. . .

I am happy.

I am’I’m happy.

Do not run in the halls.

Do

’Don’t run in the halls.

tno

He is my friend.

He

’He’s my friend.is

I will be right back.

I ’I’ll be right back.will

You are a very nice person.

You

’You’re a very nice person.

ear

I have got a great idea!

I ’I’ve got a great idea!

have

What are Pronouns?

• Pronouns are words we use to replace nouns. For example:

• Marcy loves to play the piano.

• She loves to play the piano.

(The pronoun She replaces the noun Marcy).

Pronouns

What are Possessive Pronouns?

• Possessive pronouns are pronouns that show ownership or possession of something.

• The piano is hers.

• Is the piano yours?

• This is his guitar.

Apostrophe or no Apostrophe?That is the Question!

• Contractions use apostrophes. (isn’t)

• Possessive nouns use apostrophes. (Jane’s)

• Possessive Pronouns do not use apostrophes. (theirs)

Which one is different?

Rule #1

• Contractions do use apostrophes!

•The boy didn’t ride his bike.

•did + not = didn’t

Rule #2

• Possessive Nouns do use apostrophes!

•The boy rode John’s bike.• Whose bike is it? (John’s)

• Is there an apostrophe? (yes)

Rule #3

• Possessive Pronouns do not use apostrophes!

•The boy rode his bike.• Whose bike is it? (his)

• Is there an apostrophe? (no!)

The Trick in the Bag• This simple “trick” will help you

decide when to use an apostrophe!• 1. Read the sentence and replace the word with the two words that make the contraction.

• 2. Ask the Million Dollar Question: –Does it make sense?

Try it for yourself!

• The kitten drank (its or it’s) milk.– 1. Replace the word with the two

words that make the contraction:• The kitten drank it is milk.

– 2. Ask: Does it make sense?

Try it for yourself!

• (Your or You’re) a good student!– 1. Replace the word with the two

words that make the contraction:• You are a good student!

– 2. Ask: Does it make sense?

Try it for yourself!

• (Whose or Who’s) turn is it?– 1. Replace the word with the two

words that make the contraction:• Who is turn is it?

– 2. Ask: Does it make sense?

But what about . . .• Becky’s dog is very friendly.

– That is not a contraction and it has an apostrophe!

– Remember- Apostrophes are not only used in contractions!

– Nouns use apostrophes to show possession . . . Pronouns don’t!

Review

• Contractions use apostrophes. (wasn’t)

• Possessive nouns use apostrophes. (dog’s)

• Possessive Pronouns do not use apostrophes. (its)

The Trick in the Bag

• When you’re not sure . . .•1. Read the sentence and replace the word with the two words that make the contraction.

•2. Ask the Million Dollar Question: –Does it make sense?