Almost every Thursday, we go to the local livestock auction market for lunch and to check cattle prices.
The restrooms are labelled "HEIFER'S" and "STEER'S." I refuse to use the restroom, not because I am offended at being called a heifer, but because that apostrophe does not belong there.
Please, don't use an apostrophe to indicate a plural.
Picture's with Santa!
Please remove muddy boot's.
Chip's--$1.00
All incorrect.
For homework, tell about some recent sightings of misplaced apostrophes.
Misplaced Apostrophes
Moderators: RedBaron, itsjoanne, RedBaron, itsjoanne, RedBaron, itsjoanne
Misplaced Apostrophes
Ann Grover Stocking
"What remains of a story after it is finished? Another story..." Eli Wiesel
"What remains of a story after it is finished? Another story..." Eli Wiesel
Re: Misplaced Apostrophes
As a proofreader and editor, I see this all the time. The rule of thumb I give is 'think O'. Apostrophes should be used for omission (o'clock, haven't etc), and ownership or possessive, (Daisy's hat, the dog's ball). But I see it used in plurals, verbs and all sorts, yep - I've even seen sort's. It is extremely common, but it does erode clarity, and no more so than when it comes to its/it's.
http://www.faithwriters.com/member-profile.php?id=65595
"If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write." Martin Luther
"If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write." Martin Luther
Re: Misplaced Apostrophes
One I see often and used to do myself was numbers. For example, it's not: I grew up in the 70's.
Instead it should read: the '80s.
Instead it should read: the '80s.
Last edited by Shann on Fri Nov 07, 2014 9:48 am, edited 1 time in total.
Shann
Shann's Profile
Sometimes God calms the storm; Sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child
Shann's Profile
Sometimes God calms the storm; Sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child
Re: Misplaced Apostrophes
"Its/it's" is next on my list.
I see it at least once a day, along with your's, their's, and her's.
Good rule, by the way. I like it.
I see it at least once a day, along with your's, their's, and her's.
Good rule, by the way. I like it.
Ann Grover Stocking
"What remains of a story after it is finished? Another story..." Eli Wiesel
"What remains of a story after it is finished? Another story..." Eli Wiesel
Re: Misplaced Apostrophes
I've found that an apostrophe alway's irk’s purist’s if it insert’s it’self within plural’s or present tense’s and turn’s them into possessive’s.
Theres little else to it.
Noel
Theres little else to it.
Noel
God has blessed us with a grownup family of four and three grandchildren, so life is full. My weekly newspaper columns seek to encourage unchurched people to explore God's love, so they may discover the difference he can make for them - and through them.
Re: Misplaced Apostrophes
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
Ann Grover Stocking
"What remains of a story after it is finished? Another story..." Eli Wiesel
"What remains of a story after it is finished? Another story..." Eli Wiesel