Misuse of the apostrophe.

Lucy Thomas | 14:59 Wed 14th Nov 2007 | Phrases & Sayings

61 Answers

It could be that I'm simply noticing more examples of apostrophe misuse than I used to. However, I do think that it is more widespread than it was. Several recent bad examples I have seen include the sign outside my local pub which states 'two course's for the price of one' on its menu board.

On the Centre Parks website there is a page about the amenities at each park with the heading 'restaurants and bistro's.

In my local Somerfield supermarket today there was a sign at the basket only tills which read, 'trolley's must not be used at these tills'

In the last example it is interesting that they use an apostrophe in the word trolleys but not in tills. Perhaps the author wasn't sure so hedged his bets to ensure that it would be at least half correct.

I think that the more this grammatical error rears its ugly head, the more it seems to be accepted as correct.

What do you think?

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Lucy Thomas

Question Author

Now that all the idiots have had their say and we are getting sensible answers, have a look at this gem. She claims that her English is two years above her age in school.

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Media-and-TV/TV /Question481275.html

natalie_1982

Lucy, where exactly do you get off calling someone an idiot? I am sure most ABer's (oooops, was that an inappropriate apostrophe?), have just as high opinions of you.

If you hadn't noticed, this is a question and answer site, not a spelling, vocabulary and grammatical correction site. If somebody posts in text speak or shorted words then who the hell are you to question it? If you don't understand or don't like a question then simply don't answer it, I don't understand your constant need to put people down.

Count_Emmup

I distinctly recall, (probably in 1968/9) the Government announcing that henceforth grammar and punctuation would no longer be taught in schools; as it impeded creativity! The students would acquire the knowledge spontaneously later in life was the fatuous theory.

As a groovy cat mainly absorbed in the coolest grooves of the latest beat combos, very little else troubled me; but I do recall being astonished and outraged by that absurd decision. I still see confirmation of its absurdity to this day.

Lucy Thomas

Question Author

Natalie. I read your reply with great interest. The points you make are both lucid and intelligent. You write with a fluency and maturity that belie your tender years. I was extremely touched by your kind words.

Now go and boil your head!

natalie_1982

Yet you still can't answer the quetion - why the need to constantly put people down and be unnecessarily rude to them?

Seems you are happy to avoid questions that point out your own shortcomings, but quick enough to pick up everyone else's. It's a shame we can't all be perfect, Mary Poppins.

Count_Emmup

BTW, Lucy I'm not totally certain of this, but I'm fairly sure the plural of 'trolley' is 'trollies'!

naomi24

Natalie, you might like to know that I reprimanded Lucy today on her appalling use of grammar - but she chose to ignore me. She's winding you up - ignore her.

Lucy Thomas

Question Author

Yes it is. But I've reproduced it as written.

Lucy Thomas

Question Author

Reprimanded. You wish!

naomi24

Are you saying you missed it?

Count_Emmup

NO! - 'y' preceded by a consonant changes to 'ies' - but 'y' preceded by a vowel merely takes an 's'!

Goes in search of whisky bottle and revolver!

123everton

Should'nt trolleys be spelt trollies?
I hate bad spelling also, eBay's the worst some of it you'd expect to have been written by a 6 year old.

helliebobs

I agree with Lucy on this one but people who know me know I'm anal about spelling and punctuation. I just bite my lip and get on with more important things, without highlighting errors unless I'm feeling really petty. No point lecturing people who don't care about it.

Lucy Thomas

Question Author

Count. i'm agreeing with you. I do know that nouns that end with a 'y' are usually pluralised by dropping the 'y' and adding 'ies'.

I'm saying that I used 'trolleys' to reproduce the error on the notice.

naomi24

I also detest poor English, but it seems Lucy is undone!! The true Lucy is exposed on two counts (pardon the pun Count!) today - or perhaps three, since her post concerning the boiling of Natalie's head would leave much to be desired in polite and educated company.

Count, please forget the revolver - just pour the whisky. Cheers!

helliebobs

Sorry, I'm sure no one really cares but I think I meant 'bite my tongue' , not 'bite my lip' ! (toddles off laughing at herself).

Count_Emmup

"Trolleys" is correct!

See my 21:44 posting!