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Difficulty: MediumPlural and Possessive Nouns and Pronouns

What form of the noun 'machine' correctly completes the blank in the passage?

Answer:In 1843, mathematician Ada Lovelace published extensive notes on Charles Babbage's proposed mechanical computer, which was known as the Analytical Engine. While Babbage focused primarily on calculation, Lovelace realized that the device could do more than just compute numbers; she envisioned the 【machine's】 potential to process symbols and music, effectively writing the world's first computer program.

Answer

machine's
The singular possessive noun 'machine's' is correct because the context refers to a single machine (the Analytical Engine) and shows ownership of the noun 'potential' that follows the blank.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine if the noun should be singular or plural based on the context.
The passage refers to a single device (the Analytical Engine / the device), indicating that the singular form of the noun 'machine' is required.
The context refers back to Charles Babbage's proposed mechanical computer, which is singular.
2
Determine if the noun needs to be possessive.
The noun modifies the noun 'potential,' indicating that the potential belongs to the machine. Therefore, the possessive case is required.
A noun modifying another noun to show ownership or association must be in the possessive case.
3
Form the singular possessive spelling of 'machine'.
Add an apostrophe followed by the letter 's' to the singular noun 'machine' to form 'machine's'.
Singular possessive nouns are formed by adding "'s" to the singular noun.

Key Concept

Plural and Possessive Nouns and Pronouns
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Plural and Possessive Nouns and Pronouns

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