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Apostrophes

(38 Posts)
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vampirequeen Wed 28-Nov-12 10:26:46

I have to admit I'm not the best person when it comes to using apostrophes however I have a friend who is an expert. She recently told me that everytime I use an apostrophe incorrectly a puppy dies. I think over the years I must have killed thousands of puppies lol.

The other day I saw a mistake the made even me gringe. A shop called Niese,s Sandwiches.

At lease I don't mix up apostrophes and commas lol

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Ana Wed 28-Nov-12 23:07:25

And why is gracesmum not grace'smum for that matter? grin

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Ana Wed 28-Nov-12 23:07:43

moon

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Greatnan Thu 29-Nov-12 07:47:17

Gracesmum can use any name she likes!
Lewis's bike is correct, as is St. James's Palace.

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Ana Thu 29-Nov-12 09:34:42

Oh dear, it was a joke, Greatnan...hmm

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vampirequeen Thu 29-Nov-12 09:36:52

Arrrrrgggggghhhhhhh so it's not Lewis' bike. So when does the apostrophe go at the end of the word.

The children's parents' cars. ?????????????????????????

I think we should do away with apostrophes and just use the context to work out the meaning.

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Greatnan Thu 29-Nov-12 09:46:16

Ana - so was my reply!
Yes, the cars of the parents of the children - the children's parents' cars.

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annodomini Thu 29-Nov-12 09:58:29

It used to be a rule (possibly still is) that names of classical or foreign origin ending in 's', would have the possessive apostrophe after the final 's'
Brutus' wife; Jules' mother etc.

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vampirequeen Thu 29-Nov-12 12:44:39

So Lewis would be Lewis's but Louis would be Louis' ?

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JessM Thu 29-Nov-12 13:36:00

bloody 'ell

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gracesmum Thu 29-Nov-12 13:38:53

Good use of the apostrophe, there jesssM.smile

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annodomini Thu 29-Nov-12 13:48:53

I think so, VQ, though I might be a bit rusty!

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vampirequeen Thu 29-Nov-12 13:55:42

I'm beginning to remember why I never grasped this at school lol

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