Online Writing Support
              OWS HOME               PARTS OF SPEECH               SENTENCE STRUCTURE               PUNCTUATION             USAGE             SELF-TEACHING UNITS             EXERCISES

Apostrophes - Exercise 1

Directions: Follow directions for creating possessive in each part of the exercise.
Write your answers in the space provided under each item. When you have completed the exercise, click on "Check My Answers" and check your answers with those on the answer key.

Part I

Directions: Look at the sample items given below.
phrase of ownership possessive form
the hair of the dog the dog’s hair
the heavy rain of a long day a long day’s heavy rain
the manicured fingernails of Tim Tim’s manicured fingernails

Following these examples, rewrite the below sentences on the given line.

1. the pearly smile of a movie star



2. the tax system of one country



3. the title of a book



4. the leader of this program



5. the hands of the clock



6. the worn upholstery of the comfortable chair



7. the newspapers of an editor



8. the curly hair of John



9. the work of one day



10. the worth of a penny



Part II

Directions: Place apostrophes where needed in the following sentences. CAUTION: A sentence may need more than one apostrophe. If a sentence needs no apostrophes, leave it blank.

1. There will be an hours wait for the plane to San Francisco.



2. We listened to the judges remarks as she rendered her decision.



3. The young architects dream is realized in that buildings grace.



4. The movie accurately portrayed this novels characters, plot, and setting.



5. A persons character should be judged by actions, not words.



6. The boxes sat on the loading platforms for over two hours.



7. One should never read a friends diary without permission.



8. The papers edges were ragged because it had been torn on three sides.



9. We watched the professors eyes begin to sparkle as his voice grew louder and louder.



10. An apostrophes job is to show ownership or possession.




         

 

For further information on these resources, contact
Margaret L. Benner
benner@towson.edu

copyright  ©2011 Towson University, Writing Support Program. All rights reserved.