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Grade 4/Punctuation

Possessive vs Plural — Correct the Error

Each sentence contains a possessive or plural apostrophe error. Students find the mistake, then rewrite the whole sentence correctly. Correcting realistic errors — the kind that appear in real student writing — is the most transferable punctuation practice.
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Medium
1
10 questions
2
10 questions
3
10 questions
Hard
1
10 questions
2
10 questions
Prerequisites
Possessive Apostrophes — Plural5 WS
Rewrite to show possession: the toys of the children

Practice Questions

  1. 🐕 The dog's chased the cat's across the yard.
    Show answer

    The dogs chased the cats across the yard.

  2. 📚 All the student's books were on the shelf.
    Show answer

    All the students' books were on the shelf.

  3. 🍎 The apple's are on the table.
    Show answer

    The apples are on the table.

  4. 🎨 The childs painting was beautiful.
    Show answer

    The child's painting was beautiful.

Quick Tip
Plural (more than one) — NO apostrophe: dogs, cats
Possessive (showing ownership) — ADD apostrophe: dog's, cat's
Teacher Resources
Teaching Notes

Ask two questions for every apostrophe: (1) Is there more than one? → plural, no apostrophe. (2) Does something belong to someone? → possessive, add apostrophe.

Vocabulary
Possessive: Shows ownership.
Plural: More than one.
Apostrophe: Punctuation mark for possession or contractions.
Common Mistakes
  • Adding an apostrophe to every word ending in s
  • Not recognising irregular plural possessives
Differentiation
SupportHighlight every 's in the sentence and ask the two questions for each.
ChallengeWrite your own 'spot the error' sentences and challenge a partner.
Extension Activities
  • Find apostrophe errors in books.
  • Correct sentences with mixed-up apostrophes.
  • Explain why apostrophes are needed.
Parent Tip

Point out signs with correct/incorrect apostrophe use.

Learning Path
Skill Level

advanced

Estimated Time

15 minutes

Skills Practiced
Possessive vs plural