GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsLanguage Conventions and UsageEasy
A student is writing an essay about the history of science and needs to use a possessive form. Which sentence correctly uses an apostrophe?
- AThe scientist's discoveries have shaped our world.
- BScientists's discoveries have shaped our world.
- CScientists discoveries have shaped our world.
- DThe scientists's discoveries have shaped our world.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The scientist's discoveries have shaped our world.
To show possession for a singular noun, an apostrophe followed by 's' is used (e.g., 'scientist's'). For plural nouns ending in 's', only an apostrophe is added (e.g., 'scientists' discoveries').
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This option incorrectly adds 's' to an already plural possessive form.
- C. This option uses 'scientists' as a plural noun, not a possessive singular noun.
- D. This option incorrectly adds 's' to a plural noun that already indicates possession with an apostrophe.
Apostrophe for Possession
Apostrophes are used to show possession for nouns. For singular nouns, add 's. For plural nouns ending in 's', add only an apostrophe. For plural nouns not ending in 's', add 's.
- Singular noun: add 's.
- Plural noun ending in 's': add '.
- Plural noun not ending in 's': add 's.
Memory trick: Apostrophes show ownership or contractions, just like a tiny hook grabbing words.