Mastering the Three Uses of the Apostrophe

Khan Academy

This engaging grammar tutorial features narrators David and Paige exploring the three distinct functions of the apostrophe in English. Using a digital whiteboard format, they visually demonstrate how this "floating comma" operates to change the meaning of words. The lesson covers the two most common uses—contractions and possession—before carefully explaining a highly specific and rare exception regarding the pluralization of lowercase letters. The video focuses on core mechanics of standard English conventions, specifically punctuation rules that often trip up students. A significant portion of the video is dedicated to distinguishing between possessive nouns (which need apostrophes) and simple plural nouns (which do not), directly addressing a frequent student error. The narrators use memorable, slightly humorous examples like "David's cursed skull" to illustrate concepts. For educators, this resource provides a clear, concise method for teaching punctuation mechanics. It effectively targets the misconception that apostrophes are used to make words plural, offering a visual "non-example" to reinforce the rule. The conversational banter and step-by-step breakdown make abstract grammatical rules concrete and accessible, making it an excellent tool for introducing the concept or reviewing it with upper elementary and middle school students.