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