The Apostrophe

[Luigi]

The apostrophe shows:
1. Possession OR
2. Contraction
The apostrophe [i]never[/i] shows plurality.

Errors can arise because:
a. The plural form often sounds like the singular possessive form;
b. Possessive "its" sounds the same as contracted "it's";
c. Possessive "its" is the exceprion to the possession rule above;
d. The combination of plural and possessive requires a little extra thought.

RULE #1:
Calculate the number of the noun. If the noun is plural, add -s without an apostrophe.
(NB: Do not add -s to irregular nouns such as 'women,' 'children,' 'men,' or many animal nouns such as deer, fish, or moose.)

Rule #2:
To indicate possession, add -'s [i]if you can[/i]. If you can't, add just the apostrophe.
(NB: [i]if you can [/i]means "assuming the last letter of the noun is NOT -s, -sh, or -x.)


EXAMPLES:
One boy owns one bike = The boy's bike (singular 'boy + 's = boy's)
Two boys own one bike = The boys' bike (plural boys + just the apostrophe = boys' -- we wouldn't know how to pronounce boys's bike)

One adult female owns one car = The woman's car
Two adult females own one car = Thge women's car (plural + 's)

It is hot outside =It's hot outside. (contraction)
The car lost the muffler attached to it = The car lost its muffler. (possession)



Thank you for you attention. There will be a test on Frdiay.

[ardillacid]

Step 1: Buy Strunk and White.

[Luigi]

Step 2: Actually refer to Strunk and White.

[Vincent Vega]

Exceprion is an epic word. I'm going to start using it.

Edited April 26, 2011 by USAirwaysIHS

[Luigi]

[quote name='USAirwaysIHS' timestamp='1303797084' post='2233267']
Exceprion is an epic word. I'm going to start using it.
[/quote]

I specialize in neologisms. Enjoy it.

[Jaime]

Ben Franklin invented the apostrophe

[Luigi]

[quote name='jaime (the artist formerly known as hot stuff)' timestamp='1303833406' post='2233391']
Ben Franklin invented the apostrophe
[/quote]

I did not know that. He was a great man in many respects - my esteem for him has just increased.

[Tally Marx]

Tolkien's Elvish is way better than English.

[Amppax]

Strunk and White ftw!!!!

[Luigi]

[quote name='Tally Marx' timestamp='1303836495' post='2233419']
Tolkien's Elvish is way better than English.
[/quote]

Does Elvish not use apostrophes?

[Maximilianus]

I dont get it

[MIKolbe]

Is it

Ross'

or Ross's


??????

[ardillacid]

Strunk says Ross's

[Amppax]

I'd go with Strunk. Ross's it is. Although its unfortunate, my english teacher really doesn't like that, so I had to go back and correct all my papers, to take into account his preference

[homeschoolmom]

Or how about when a surname ends with y and you want to make it plural.... It's Kellys not Kellies, or worse Kelly's.

Another error that drives me crazy:

38c is not the same as .38c. Thank you.