Entry #666243, added on 09-16-09 @ 12:35 pm EDT
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| Issue 2: Plurals vs. Possessives | Entry #666243 |
September 16, 2009
 About This Newsletter
In this newsletter we'll discuss the proper way to pluralize nouns, the proper way to form possessive nouns and how to avoid the grocer's apostrophe at all costs.
Letter from the Editor
You've seen this one before. You're walking through the produce section at your local grocery store, scanning the signs around you. There's something odd about these signs, you notice. Tomato's, 3 for $1, one reads. Nectarine's, $1.49/lb, says another. Much as you try, you just can't figure out what that tomato has, what that nectarine owns.
You've encountered the grocer's apostrophe, a grammar calamity made worse by its pervasiveness.
Grammar Conundrum
In the English language, we use the letter s both to pluralize and to show possession. Aurally, there is no discernible difference between, for example, cats and cat's. In written language, however, the difference is very important. Apostrophes are vital to proper mechanics.
To make a singular noun possessive, add an 's to the end. To make plural nouns possessive, add s'.
To pluralize most nouns, add an s or es to the end. (We will cover unusual plurals in the next edition of this newsletter.)
Note: it is never correct to pluralize a word with an apostrophe.
Consider a few examples. Note that aloud, the words might be indistinguishable, but in print, the apostrophe is required.
The dog's fur was wet from the rain. Possessive, singular, 's: the fur belongs to one dog.
The dogs' howls could be heard from miles away. Possessive, plural, s': the howls come from several dogs.
The dogs played happily in the park. Plural, not possessive, no apostrophe: the dogs are playing.
This library book's cover has been torn by unruly children. Possessive, singular, 's: this refers to one cover of one book.
Those books' dust jackets really need dusting! Possessive, plural, s': there are several dust jackets being described.
Sometimes I can't believe how many books my professors require for each class. Plural, not possessive, no apostrophe — even when there's a lot of them!
Basically, it comes down to this: an apostrophe means possession. To pluralize, just use s — no apostrophe. Editors will thank you! Plus you'll be smarter than these guys: http://sidesalad.net/archives/DeepFriedOreos.JPG
Editor's Picks
Consistent proper use of plurals and possessives, starting with the title! Plus some very helpful links.
The dialogue is rendered with proper punctuation, both plurals and possessives.
A short story about a grocery store employee — but no grocer's apostrophes in sight!
Feedback
From the September 2 edition, its vs. it's...
Robert Waltz  writes, "Shout it from the rooftops. I think we should impose a tax on anyone who misuses these words (or various other homonyms). Then we could afford public health care.  "
Sounds good to me! Maybe a penalty is exactly what we need to kick people into shape.
Doug Rainbow  writes, "This is a wonderful idea and you are off to a great start. You have chosen to clear up a very common error. I think people might want to put the apostrophe in the possessive "its" because possessives are often formed that way: "Bill rode John's horse." But "its" is possessive already, like "his" or "hers," and you don't use the apostrophe there. Anyway, you gave a crystal clear explanation and you stripped us of our excuses. We can't get it wrong anymore. And thank you for featuring my story. I have been getting reviews left and right."
Great point — that may be the reason that there's so much confusion. Hopefully now people will see proper usage is easy to understand (and easy to practice!). I'm glad you received some reviews, too: I encourage members to check out the featured pieces and suggest items for future inclusion!
For next week...
Where have you seen the grocer's apostrophe? Write in and tell us the tale! You'll receive 500 gift points for the trouble, and the funniest stories will run in next week's issue. (Pictures are especially appreciated.)
This is also the place to submit an item to be featured, suggest a grammar conundrum or apply to guest edit.
Our next issue comes out September 30. The topic is unusual plurals.
Sincerely,
 
As always, past issues of the newsletter are available for viewing in "Unofficial Grammar Newsletter Archives"  [ASR].
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© Copyright 2009 Lorien (UN: thatonegirl at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
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