Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumApostrophes for Possessives and Contractions

Although the cast members practiced their lines diligently, the production's two directors' primary concern was it's pacing, which remained inconsistent.

Which of the following choices is the best replacement for the underlined portion?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. directors' primary concern was itsAnswer
  3. C
    director's primary concern was its
  4. D
    directors primary concern was its

Answer

The correct option is the one that reads 'directors' primary concern was its'.
The correct option is the one that states 'directors' primary concern was its'. The sentence specifies 'two' directors, meaning we need the plural possessive noun 'directors''. The possessive pronoun 'its' is correct because it shows ownership of 'pacing' without using an apostrophe, distinguishing it from the contraction 'it's'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the singular or plural possessive form for the directors.
Since the sentence refers to 'two' directors, the noun is plural. The possessive form of a regular plural noun ending in 's' is created by placing the apostrophe after the 's', yielding 'directors'.
This establishes correct noun agreement and possessive punctuation.
2
Determine whether to use the contraction 'it's' or the possessive pronoun 'its'.
The word modifies 'pacing', indicating possession (the pacing of the production). Therefore, the possessive pronoun 'its' (no apostrophe) is correct.
This avoids homophone confusion between the contraction 'it's' (it is) and the possessive pronoun 'its'.
3
Combine the correct possessive noun and pronoun forms.
The correct phrasing is 'directors' primary concern was its'.
This satisfies all grammatical requirements for the sentence.

Key Concept

Possessive apostrophe placement for plural nouns and distinguishing possessive pronouns from contractions
Rate this question

Topics

Apostrophes for Possessives and Contractions

More questions from this topic