Which term is a punctuation mark used to indicate either possession or the omission of letters or numbers?

Which term is a punctuation mark used to indicate either possession or the omission of letters or numbers?

• A. Apostrophe
• B. Comma
• C. Semicolon
• D. Colon

Answer: (A)

This question tests how punctuation marks convey possession or omit letters or numbers. The apostrophe is the mark you use for both of these functions: to show possession, as in John’s book; and to indicate omission in contractions or shortened forms, such as it’s (it is) or ’90s (nineteen-ninety). That combination of roles is what distinguishes the apostrophe from the other marks listed. A comma is used for pauses or separating items, a semicolon links closely related independent clauses, and a colon introduces an explanation or list. So the term described is the apostrophe.

This question tests how punctuation marks convey possession or omit letters or numbers. The apostrophe is the mark you use for both of these functions: to show possession, as in John’s book; and to indicate omission in contractions or shortened forms, such as it’s (it is) or ’90s (nineteen-ninety). That combination of roles is what distinguishes the apostrophe from the other marks listed. A comma is used for pauses or separating items, a semicolon links closely related independent clauses, and a colon introduces an explanation or list. So the term described is the apostrophe.