Contractions and possessive pronouns are two fundamental aspects of grammar that everyone needs to learn. While they may seem simple, the distinction between these two can make a huge difference in your writing. Whether you`re a beginner or an experienced writer, it`s always a good idea to refresh your knowledge and practice these concepts to improve your writing skills.
This worksheet is designed to help you differentiate between contractions and possessive pronouns. Let`s break down the differences between the two.
Contractions:
Contractions are formed by combining two words into one word by using an apostrophe. For example, “it is” becomes “it`s,” “cannot” becomes “can`t” and “they are” becomes “they`re.” Contractions are commonly used in informal writing, such as emails, text messages, and social media posts. However, they should not be used in formal writing.
Here are some examples of contractions:
- I`m (I am)
- she`ll (she will)
- we`ve (we have)
- he`s (he is)
- they`re (they are)
Possessive Pronouns:
Possessive pronouns are used to show ownership or possession. They replace a noun and the noun`s possessive form. For example, instead of saying “the book of John,” you can say “John`s book” and use the possessive pronoun “his.” Possessive pronouns also come in different forms for singular or plural nouns.
Here are some examples of possessive pronouns:
- my
- your
- his/her/its
- our
- their
The Worksheet:
Now that we`ve gone over the differences between contractions and possessive pronouns, let`s put your knowledge to the test. In the following sentences, identify whether the word in bold is a contraction or a possessive pronoun.
1. I`ll be there in a few minutes.
Answer: contraction (I will)
2. She is the owner of the company, and her success is evident.
Answer: possessive pronoun (her)
3. They`ve been married for 25 years.
Answer: contraction (they have)
4. Our team won the championship last year.
Answer: possessive pronoun (our)
5. It`s important to get enough sleep every night.
Answer: contraction (it is)
6. His car is faster than mine.
Answer: possessive pronoun (his)
7. You`re the only one who can do this job.
Answer: contraction (you are)
8. Their dog is very friendly.
Answer: possessive pronoun (their)
9. We`re going on vacation next week.
Answer: contraction (we are)
10. Its tail is wagging happily.
Answer: possessive pronoun (its)
Conclusion:
By practicing this worksheet, you`ve sharpened your ability to differentiate between contractions and possessive pronouns. Remember that contractions are used in informal writing, while possessive pronouns show ownership. Keep on practicing and soon this will become second nature to you. Happy writing!