Which punctuation mark is used to show possession?

Question

Which punctuation mark is used to show possession?

1. A. Comma (,)
2. B. Apostrophe (') (Correct answer)
3. C. Semicolon (;)
4. D. Colon (:)

Correct Answer

Option B — Apostrophe (')

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Apostrophe (').

Key Points

• The punctuation mark used to show possession is the apostrophe ('), as in the dog's bone (the bone belonging to the dog) or the students' books (books belonging to several students).
• The other marks serve different purposes: the comma (,) separates items, the semicolon (;) links related clauses, and the colon (:) introduces a list or explanation.
• the apostrophe has two main jobs — showing possession (Ram's pen) and marking contractions (can't = cannot).
• For possession, add 's to singular nouns and just an apostrophe after plural nouns ending in s.

Exam Tip

• distinguish the possessive its (no apostrophe) from the contraction it's (= it is) — the single most common punctuation error tested in exams.