By: Merlyn Marn M Gloriana Gonzlez M

Rule 1

Use the apostrophe with contractions. The apostrophe is always placed at the spot where the letter(s) has been removed. Examples:

don't, isn't

Rule 2

Use the apostrophe to show possession. For singular and plural nouns that do not end in -s, form the possessive by adding -s.

Examples:

one boy's hat the womens club

Rule 3

For plural nouns that end in s, form the possessive by adding only an apostrophe. Examples:

two boys' hats the girls clothes

Rule 4

For compound nouns, show possession at the end of the compound.

Examples:

my mother-in-law's hat Steven Kings novels are very popular.

Rule 5

If the compound noun is plural, form the plural first and then use the apostrophe. Example:

my two brothers-in-law's hats

Rule 6

Never use an apostrophe with possessive pronouns: his, hers, its, theirs, ours, yours, whose. They already show possession so they do not require an apostrophe. The only time an apostrophe is used for it's is when it is a contraction for it is or it has. Correct:

This book is hers, not yours.

Incorrect:

Sincerely your's.

Rule 1

In dialogue, use the exclamation point to indicate a strong command in an imperative sentence. This denotes a firm and direct order. Examples

Clean the elephant enclosure now! Look out, there's an elephant running behind you!

Rule 2

In dialogue, use the exclamation point to convey an emphatic declaration, which can indicate any of the following emotions:

Examples

Shock: "There's been a terrible accident!" Excitement: "Oh my God! What a fantastic birthday gift!"

Rule 3

Do not use the exclamation point with a period, comma, colon, or semicolon.

No: He shouted: "Watch out!." Yes: "Watch out!" he shouted.

Rule 4

Using an exclamation point for indicating rhetorical questions. It is a question for which no answer is expected or for which the answer is self-evident. Examples

Aren't his paintings amazing! [indignant or exciting reaction] Aren't the twins adorable! [wonder and awe]

Rule 1

Use a question mark only after a direct question. Examples:

Will you go with me?

Rule 2

Use a question mark when a sentence is half statement and half question. Examples: You found those documents, didn't you?

Rule 3

Use the question mark after a direct question which is inserted into a statement. If the question comes at the end, separate it with a comma. Capitalization of the question after the comma is used for extreme emphasis but is rarely recommended.
.
.

Examples:

Her boss wondered, Was she really doing her job the best she could? [Question capitalized for extreme emphasis] . The question was, was she really doing the best she could? [Question not capitalized recommended]

Rule 4

If the inserted question comes in the beginning, put the question mark in the middle but do not capitalize the word following it.

Examples:
.

Was she really doing her job the best she could? her boss wondered.
.

Was she really doing the best she could? was the question.