The Blessed Apostrophe

[albaqwerty]

has been discussed on Breakfast news this morning.

Why can't schools and parents get together and teach properly?

It's either a contaction or sign of possesion (sp I know I know)

Surely it's not that difficult to understand?

[Ellipsis]

Preying mantis version ...

A woman without, her man is nothing.

You can't understand English without understanding apostophes - for example, the difference between "the soloist's performances" and "the soloists' performances".

[joggerjayne]

Ellipsis's ellipsis is back.

[factor-fiction]

In your example Ellipsis, the apostrophe would be seen in written communication but how would you distinguish between the two cases when talking?

[Ellipsis]

You noticed it got "kicked out" JJ? Dunno what happened there - another Gravatar wobble ... and no, I am not related in any way to NoM AFAIK!

factor30, different circumstances. The written word has to carry meaning when you're not there to give it.

[joggerjayne]

Yes, I rather missed your "fallen over traffic lights" ellipsis, Ellipsis.

[Ellipsis]

Me too, I spent a whole four minutes in "Paint" on that ...

[joggerjayne]

Well, you did a jolly good job, Ellipsis.

I also touched mine up on Paint.

RATTER posted my avatar, but she was blonde, so I changed it tonearer my own colour ... which I think hairdressing salons officially call "dull mousey brown".

[rojash]

A woman without her man is a wo

[DTCwordfan]

Is a wo a virgin version of a woman? She hasn't had her man added...