Apostrophes are next. I find them fairly simple to use, but, alas, they must not be; if they are to be so simple, why can't anybody else use them?
Way #1. USE THEM FOR CONTRACTIONS
Contraction: n. When one or more words are shortened, and removed letters are represented by an apostrophe.
I'm = I am
>Take away the A. Replace it with an '.
You're = You are
>Take away the A. Replace it with an '.
Aren't = Are not
>Take away the O. Replace it with an '.
Easy enough, right? There are many more examples of these, too: don't, can't, isn't. Hallowe'en is also a contraction, composing of "hallows" and "evening."
One word can also be a contraction:
Ne'er = Never
>Take away the V. Replace it with an '.
Pop'n = Population
>Take away "ulatio." Replace it with an '.
Finally, if one or more letters are not omitted, it is not a contraction.
*****
BONUS
Try getting the following right:
It's = ?
>Find the difference between "it's" and "its.
Could've = ?
Would've = ?
(Answers in comments)
YOU ARE READING
The Grammar Nazi Handbook
Non-FictionThis is going to work as follows: I go on Wattpad in a bad-ish mood. I will see multiple grammar mistakes; that's inevitable. Then, I can rant about common/proper usage in this very book. This is going to be fun.
