Name_______________________________________________
Revision Lesson 2: Punctuation Cheat Sheet: Apostrophes
One of the most common punctuation mistakes seen today is the misuse of the apostrophe. Pay
attention to Christmas cards you receive and business signs on the side of the road. You’ll find many
mistakes with apostrophes, even in the professional world. Punctuation marks help us understand what
we’re reading, so you’ll need to know how to use them correctly.
I.
Use an apostrophe and an s to form the possessive of a singular noun, or a plural noun that
does not end in s.
Box + ‘s = box’s
II.
children + ‘s = children’s
Use an apostrophe alone to form the possessive of a plural nouns that ends in s.
Morris + ‘ = Morris’
III.
wolves + ‘ = wolves’
No if’s, and’s, or but’s
four 2’s
Use an apostrophe to replace letters that have been omitted in a contraction.
Do + not = don’t
VI.
anybody + ‘s = anybody’s
Use an apostrophe and an s to form the plurals of letters, figures, and words when they refer
to themselves.
Dot your I’s and cross your t’s.
V.
boys + ‘ = boys’
Use an apostrophe and an s to form the possessive of an indefinite pronoun.
someone + ‘s = someone’s
IV.
James + ‘s = James’s
it + is = it’s
you + are = you’re
Use an apostrophe to show missing numbers in a date.
Class of ’18
election of ‘14
there + is = there’s
Punctuation Cheat Sheet: Commas
When writing, commas are used to make the reader understand what you’re
trying to say, without being confused. Commas are used for many purposes.
When reading eighth grade short answer responses, teachers are seeing
lengthy sentences that can be understood clearly if commas are used.
I.
Commas signal a pause or separation between parts of a sentence.
Use commas to separate three or more items in a series.
The top sellers were Braeden, Sofia, and Dustin.
II.
Use a comma to show a pause after an introductory word, two or more
introductory prepositional phrases, or an introductory participial or
participial phrase.
Yes, you can go to the restroom.
For the love of football, Austin’s grandfather sponsored a team.
Running for the touchdown, Korbin jumped out of the player’s
reach.
III.
Use a comma after conjunctive adverbs such as however,
furthermore, nevertheless, and therefore.
Our school enrollment has increased. Therefore, we need more
teachers.
IV.
Use commas to set off words that interrupt the flow of thought in a
sentence and appositives that are not essential to the meaning of the
sentence.
Ayden, talking too much, did not hear the instructions.
Hailee, a great golfer, won the tournament.
V.
Use commas to set off names used in direct address.
Paige, open your book and follow along with the story.
Name______________________________________
Apostrophe Practice
Write the possessive form of each word in each blank.
1. (fox)_______________________tail
2. (women)______________________rights
3. (anyone)_____________________________chair
4. (Frerichs)____________________________house
5. (children)___________________________toys
6. (Nicholas)___________________________book
7. (students)____________________________planners
Add apostrophes where necessary.
8. The girls binder was damaged.
9. I have never seen anyone write their fs the way you do.
10. Someones jacket was left in Mrs. Fanchers room.
11. I saw Traviss homework and it was correct.
12. Payden accidentally walked into the boys restroom.
13. Finish your dinner, and no buts about it.
14. Parker will graduate with the class of 18.
15. The party will be at the Holifields house.
Comma Practice
Complete each sentence by adding commas where necessary. If the
sentence is correct as written, write C in the blank.
______1. Brass woodwind and percussion are three families of instruments our band plays.
______2. Each student by the way has their own binder.
______3. Yes your Accelerated Reader goal is due on Friday.
______4. Some positions on the football team are running back right tackle center and
quarterback.
______5. You can choose to work on your study questions with a partner or you can work
alone.
______6. Rylee thought she arrived late to the game but she made it just in time.
______7. Emily who likes to ride horses is in my first period class.
______8. Although Justin is a great reader he needs to work on his writing.
______9. Since it’s game day, Lane should wear his football jersey to school.
_____10. I’ll go with you if you want me to.
_____11. Before Mick started on his test he sharpened his pencil.
_____12. Tori who is on the Jr. Belles will be performing at the pep rally.
_____13. Ms. Smith who has her masters has her own library.
_____14. When the teacher called Bryce’s name he was surprised.
_____15. We can watch Bear Buzz, but you have to finish copying your vocabulary first.