Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What is the rule regarding apostrophes in contractions?

1. Apostrophes are never used in contractions

2. Apostrophes indicate absence of letters in contractions

3. Apostrophes always indicate possession

4. Apostrophes are optional in contractions

The correct answer is: Apostrophes indicate absence of letters in contractions

Apostrophes in contractions serve a specific grammatical purpose by indicating the omission of letters. For example, in the contraction "can't," the apostrophe replaces the missing letters from the words "cannot." This function is crucial in understanding that contractions combine two words into a shorter form, thus making sentences more fluid and conversational. Using the apostrophe to denote the absence of letters also clarifies meaning and maintains readability in written text. In contrast, the other options do not accurately communicate how apostrophes function in this context. The notion that apostrophes are never used or that they are optional overlooks their essential role in forming contractions, while suggesting they always indicate possession does not apply here, as possession and contractions are distinctly different grammatical uses.