Question

Which corrects any error in the use of apostrophes in the sentence?

The contestants' entry deadline for the men's swim trials is Tuesday.

A. trials'
B. There is no error in this sentence.
C. contestant's
D. mens'

Answer 1

for this we would use plug-and-test. which options do you feel you can cross out right now?

Answer 2

We can cross out A. and B.

Answer 3

explain why you feel you can cross these out for me? :)

Answer 4

It's kind of hard to explain....

Answer 5

well let's ignore crossing them out so we can help you get to the point of explaining instead.

looking at these answers, let's do plug-and-test now!

"men's swim trials' is Tuesday"
of course we see that doesn't look right nor is it right because it is incorrect usage of apostrophes.

now let's look at the actual usage of an apostrophe.
http://www.grammarbook.com/punctuation/apostro.asp

Rule 1a. Use the apostrophe to show possession. To show possession with a singular noun, add an apostrophe plus the letter s.

Examples:
a woman's hat
the boss's wife
Mrs. Chang's house

Answer 6

however keep note there are words that end in S and if they do, we give them the apostrophe after its existing S

Answer 7

after showing you this, i see one option we can cross out right now and that is C. that is because the usage of the apostrophe that's already in the sentence IS correct!

that leaves B and D. now what do you think it is?

Answer 8

I think it's D.

Answer 9

mm, it would be B. mens' is incorrect because men by itself is plural, so you would use 's.

Answer 10

So, the answer is B. ?

Answer 11

correct!

Answer 12

:D

Answer 13

I have a few more to do, can you help me with those too?

Answer 14

sure, just do a new question

Answer 15

thank you very much for the medal :)

Answer 16

I'm on it. :) And you are welcome.