Pick The Answer That Correctly Uses The Possessive Case In This Sentence.___ Older Sister Is Teaching Him How To Drive.A. ColinsB. Colin'sC. Colins'

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Mastering the Possessive Case in English: A Guide to Correct Usage

The possessive case is a fundamental aspect of the English language, used to indicate that something belongs to a particular person or entity. In this article, we will delve into the correct usage of the possessive case in a sentence, focusing on the example: "___ older sister is teaching him how to drive."

Understanding the Possessive Case

The possessive case is formed by adding an apostrophe and an 's' to the end of a noun. This indicates that the noun possesses or owns something. For example:

  • The cat's toy is on the floor.
  • The dog's bone is under the table.

However, when the noun ends in 's', the apostrophe is added without the extra 's'. For example:

  • The bus's wheels are dirty.
  • The company's profits are increasing.

Applying the Possessive Case to the Example Sentence

Now, let's apply the possessive case to the example sentence: "___ older sister is teaching him how to drive." We need to determine which option correctly uses the possessive case.

Option A: Colins

Colins is a plural noun, and when a plural noun ends in 's', the apostrophe is added without the extra 's'. However, in this case, the noun is not in possession of something, but rather the subject of the sentence. Therefore, Colins is not the correct answer.

Option B: Colin's

Colin's is a singular possessive noun, indicating that the noun 'Colin' possesses something. In this case, the noun 'Colin' is the subject of the sentence, and the possessive case is used to indicate that the action of teaching is being performed by Colin. Therefore, Colin's is the correct answer.

Option C: Colins'

Colins' is a plural possessive noun, indicating that the noun 'Colins' possesses something. However, in this case, the noun is not in possession of something, but rather the subject of the sentence. Therefore, Colins' is not the correct answer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct answer is B. Colin's, as it correctly uses the possessive case to indicate that the action of teaching is being performed by Colin.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When using the possessive case, it's essential to avoid common mistakes such as:

  • Adding an apostrophe to a singular noun that doesn't end in 's' (e.g., "The cat's is on the floor" instead of "The cat is on the floor").
  • Adding an apostrophe to a plural noun that ends in 's' (e.g., "The cats's are sleeping" instead of "The cats are sleeping").
  • Using the possessive case incorrectly to indicate possession (e.g., "The car's wheels are dirty" instead of "The car has dirty wheels").

Tips for Mastering the Possessive Case

To master the possessive case, follow these tips:

  • Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice using the possessive case, the more comfortable you'll become with its usage.
  • Read widely: Reading a variety of texts will help you become familiar with the possessive case in different contexts.
  • Use online resources: There are many online resources available to help you learn and practice the possessive case.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the possessive case is essential for effective communication in English. By understanding the rules and practicing its usage, you'll become more confident in your writing and speaking abilities. Remember, the correct answer is B. Colin's, and with practice and patience, you'll become a master of the possessive case.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Possessive Case

In this article, we'll address some of the most common questions about the possessive case, providing clear and concise answers to help you master this essential aspect of the English language.

Q: What is the possessive case?

A: The possessive case is a grammatical form used to indicate that something belongs to a particular person or entity. It's formed by adding an apostrophe and an 's' to the end of a noun, or by adding only an apostrophe to a noun that already ends in 's'.

Q: How do I form the possessive case for singular nouns?

A: To form the possessive case for singular nouns, add an apostrophe and an 's' to the end of the noun. For example:

  • The cat's toy is on the floor.
  • The dog's bone is under the table.

Q: How do I form the possessive case for plural nouns that end in 's'?

A: To form the possessive case for plural nouns that end in 's', add only an apostrophe to the end of the noun. For example:

  • The bus's wheels are dirty.
  • The company's profits are increasing.

Q: How do I form the possessive case for plural nouns that don't end in 's'?

A: To form the possessive case for plural nouns that don't end in 's', add an apostrophe and an 's' to the end of the noun. For example:

  • The children's toys are on the floor.
  • The men's room is down the hall.

Q: What's the difference between the possessive case and the plural form?

A: The possessive case and the plural form are two different grammatical forms. The plural form is used to indicate that a noun has more than one unit, while the possessive case is used to indicate that something belongs to a particular person or entity.

For example:

  • The cats are sleeping (plural form)
  • The cat's are sleeping (possessive case, indicating that the cats belong to someone)

Q: Can I use the possessive case with proper nouns?

A: Yes, you can use the possessive case with proper nouns. For example:

  • The Smith's house is on the hill.
  • The Johnson's car is parked outside.

Q: Can I use the possessive case with abbreviations?

A: Yes, you can use the possessive case with abbreviations. For example:

  • The CEO's office is on the top floor.
  • The PhD's thesis is on the shelf.

Q: What's the correct usage of the possessive case in a sentence?

A: The correct usage of the possessive case in a sentence depends on the context. For example:

  • The cat's toy is on the floor (possessive case indicating that the toy belongs to the cat)
  • The cat is on the floor (no possessive case needed)

Q: Can I use the possessive case with collective nouns?

A: Yes, you can use the possessive case with collective nouns. For example:

  • The team's performance was impressive.
  • The family's vacation was a success.

Q: Can I use the possessive case with abstract nouns?

A: Yes, you can use the possessive case with abstract nouns. For example:

  • The company's profits are increasing.
  • The team's morale is high.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the possessive case is essential for effective communication in English. By understanding the rules and practicing its usage, you'll become more confident in your writing and speaking abilities. Remember, the possessive case is used to indicate that something belongs to a particular person or entity, and it's formed by adding an apostrophe and an 's' to the end of a noun, or by adding only an apostrophe to a noun that already ends in 's'.