Common CELPIP errors - Apostrophes | Canada

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Details: Category: Canada; Created: 13 April 2018; Last Updated: 14 April 2018

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When I was studying for my CELPIP exam I got material from them. Unfortunately, I can not put the PDF to the public because it has a watermark with my personal email. But I can put you here what it says.

CELPIP's nineteenth error as they state:

The apostrophe has only two uses: to show possession and to indicate an omission in spelling. Nevertheless, this punctuation symbol is often used in error, even by native English speakers. Therefore, it is wise to review its use.

How to use the Apostrophes

To form the possessive of singular nouns	All in a day's work. Mr. Stone's dog is so cute.
To form the possessive of plural nouns	The women's association does very charitable work. The Stones' dog is so cute.
To show the omission of letters or numbers	I don't work on Sundays. (do not) I graduated in the Class of '94 (1994)
To form the plural of letters, numbers, symbols, and referred-to words	I got five A's and a B on my report card. His 5's look like 7's. The @'s in email addresses always precede the company name. Try not to use so many "but's" in your sentences.

Note

We only add an ' to singular nouns that end with an / s/ or /z/ sound. Mrs. Jone's purse, Mr. Perez' wallet.
With joint possessions and an 's to the last world only: however, with individual possessions, add an 's to each word: are you going to Tina and Tony's wedding? Oh no! Both Tina's and Barb's weddings are on the same day.
With compound nouns, and an 's to the last word only. It's my father-in-law's car.
With indefinite pronouns, add an 's: Do we have everyone's ticket? Chris, we have everyone else's but yours.

Beware

We don't use apostrophes with possessive pronouns:

After the next payment, the house will be our's
After the next payment, the house will be ours

Good luck!

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