Complete the 12 sentences below. Choose the best answer for each one.
1The ............... decision to postpone the vote surprised even the party leaders.
Wrong!
Use a plural possessive with an apostrophe after the s for more than one minister.
2I borrowed my ............... car for the weekend, not just one of theirs.
Wrong!
Use a joint possessive when two people share ownership, so only the second name takes 's.
3The ............... toys were scattered all over the waiting room after the playgroup.
Wrong!
Use the irregular plural possessive for children: children's.
4The ............... new policy was announced at the same time, but only one department will enforce it.
Wrong!
Use a singular possessive for one department: department's.
5After ............... drive, we were too tired to cook and ordered takeaway.
Wrong!
Use a time expression with an apostrophe after the plural: two hours' drive.
6We met at ............... house, the one with the blue door on the corner.
Wrong!
Use the possessive of a name ending in s by adding apostrophe s in standard modern usage.
7The ............... handle snapped off, so I had to carry it by the strap.
Wrong!
Use the possessive of an inanimate noun when it is natural: the suitcase's handle.
8I can’t stand ............... attitude in meetings, especially when he interrupts everyone.
Wrong!
Use the possessive pronoun his, not a contraction or an apostrophe form.
9The ............... report was leaked, and the editor is furious about the breach.
Wrong!
Use a singular possessive for one newspaper: newspaper's.
10The ............... uniforms were soaked after the match in the rain.
Wrong!
Use a plural possessive with apostrophe after s for more than one player.
11I’m meeting a ............... for lunch, so I’ll be offline for an hour.
Wrong!
Use the double possessive: a friend of mine.
12The ............... balcony has the best view of the river at sunset.
Wrong!
Use the possessive of a place by adding apostrophe s: the hotel's balcony.
Done.
Score: 0/12
Answers
- The ministers' decision to postpone the vote surprised even the party leaders.
- I borrowed my Sam and Priya's car for the weekend, not just one of theirs.
- The children's toys were scattered all over the waiting room after the playgroup.
- The department's new policy was announced at the same time, but only one department will enforce it.
- After two hours' drive, we were too tired to cook and ordered takeaway.
- We met at James's house, the one with the blue door on the corner.
- The suitcase's handle snapped off, so I had to carry it by the strap.
- I can’t stand his attitude in meetings, especially when he interrupts everyone.
- The newspaper's report was leaked, and the editor is furious about the breach.
- The players' uniforms were soaked after the match in the rain.
- I’m meeting a friend of mine for lunch, so I’ll be offline for an hour.
- The hotel's balcony has the best view of the river at sunset.
