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Year 2 - English

Apostrophes for contraction and singular possession

Apostrophes

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils are introduced to the two rules for apostrophe use. They learn to use an apostrophe to contract two words, including the examples 'won't' and 'can't', and to use an apostrophe for singular possession. Pupils learn the formal conventions of both of these apostrophe functions.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to show how an apostrophe works for contraction and for singular possession.

Key Notes

  • An apostrophe is an important piece of punctuation with more than one purpose.
  • An apostrophe can contract two words together.
  • An apostrophe can show if a noun belongs to another singular noun.
  • Apostrophes for contraction and singular possession are useful in writing for different reasons.
  • Apostrophes are most deeply understood when word class is understood.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • apostrophe for contraction: a punctuation mark used to contract two words together
  • apostrophe for possession (s): a punctuation mark used to show if a noun belongs to another singular noun
  • word class: different types of words that are used to form sentences

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may struggle to remember where to place the apostrophe when contacting some 'not' words.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

An apostrophe is an important piece of punctuation with more than one purpose. An apostrophe can contract two words together.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'apostrophe for contraction'

a punctuation mark used to contract two words together.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may struggle to remember where to place the apostrophe when contacting some 'not' words. Correction: All 'not' words lose the letter 'o' between 'n' and 't'. Check that pupils are not putting the apostrophe before the 'nt e.g. don't/do'nt.

More Lessons In This Unit

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