maratcal ([info]maratcal) wrote,
@ 2009-06-25 17:13:00
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things that irritate me-grammar edition
one of my biggest grammar pet peeves? when people misuse the apostrophe. and it's actually only in the most narrow of contexts: the family name.

take, for example, the taylor family that wants to send out an annual newsletter about their adventures. They should title it "The Taylors' Adventures". I cannot tell you how many people will write "The Taylor's Adventures." Really? Did you not pay attention in elementary school? AAAAAH!

i realize in the grand scheme of things this is a minor sin. but so, so, very many people make this mistake. and it irritates me. (clearly).

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(Anonymous)
2009-06-25 09:23 pm UTC (link)
I hate when people misuse "fewer" and "less."

But for yours what if your last name is, say, Jones. Is it The Jones' Adventures? No one does that -- everyone adds an extra "s" -- The Jones's Adventures. Which I recognize doesn't make it right, but I'm just wondering if it is conceivably possible that *I'm* wrong. I always thought you were only supposed to add the "s" for historical figures, e.g. "Jesus's Adventures."

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[info]maratcal
2009-06-25 09:35 pm UTC (link)
i hate misuse of fewer and less too! (and number and amount, for that matter).

yes! your question is a good one. i had always heard that when a name ends in s (like Chris). You would use the apostrophe s: Chris's food, but if it's plural, it's just "The Jones' food". According to my handy Harbrace College Handbook that I've had since high school and smells delightfully like an old textbook, here's the deal:

"For plural nounds ending in s, add only the apostrophe. For plurals not ending in s, add the apostrophe and s.

Examples: boys' shoes, babies' toes, two dollars' worth, the Joneses' reunion"

Also according to the handbook, you can choose to put the apostrophe after the singular case. (i.e. you could say Chris's food OR Chris' food). I still find that one troubling.

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Grammatical Pet Peeves
(Anonymous)
2009-08-07 11:06 pm UTC (link)
Top 40 Grammar Pet Peeves
If you are grammatically challenged, or let’s face it, a grammatical snob who will catch the grammatical error in the title of this blog, you owe it to yourself to check out these grammatical pet peeves and tips at Top 40 Grammar Pet Peeves (http://penningtonpublishing.com/blog/grammar_mechanics/top-40-grammar-pet-peeves/)

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