What's with the apostrophe?

[Prutzie]

I needed a forum in which to vent my frustration at this new phenomenon wherein most people seem to be using an apostrophe where it doesn't belong. A large percentage of people writing these posts are using apostrophes where a plural word is written such as: The ball hit's the bat. Honestly, I just saw that. I've seen this in television commercials as well as ads in newspapers. Is this something we are inheriting from the younger generation who has lost the ability to use proper English and grammar? Since texting and "shorthand" seem to be the "conversations" of the day, we are losing proper spelling. Shakespeare would cry ! :sing:

[Ecuadog]

It's not its self lately.

[graciegirl]

Boy Howdy; :

An English major?

[villages07]

It could also be the auto correct on ipad/iPhone/tablet/other devices that doesn't always make the right decision.

[MikeV]

Sometimes it's the spell checking.

[perrjojo]

I always blame autocorrect. You are correct that we are forgetting how to spell with all of these new gadgets.

[keithwand]

Youse sew wright.

[manaboutown]

Unless I return and meticulously check what I write, especially on my iPhone, the autocorrect makes some strange changes. Some are truly laughable.

[perrjojo]

Unless I return and meticulously check what I write, especially on my iPhone, the autocorrect makes some strange changes. Some are truly laughable.
And they can get you in trouble. I once wrote a text to my granddaughter and called her a slut. I can't remember what I had intended to write but it was not well received. LOL

[manaboutown]

And they can get you in trouble. I once wrote a text to my granddaughter and called her a slut. I can't remember what I had intended to write but it was not well received. LOL

Yes, things like that happen. I seem to have the most trouble with my iPhone. I find it time consuming and annoying to have to keep going back in the text and fixing things.

[CFrance]

And they can get you in trouble. I once wrote a text to my granddaughter and called her a slut. I can't remember what I had intended to write but it was not well received. LOL
Hoo boy! :a20::a20:

[alwann]

As a former journalist and editor, it bums me too. Sadly, all languages change over time. Remember trying to read The Canterbury Tales in the original form?

"Wepyng and waylyng, care and oother sorwe
I knowe ynogh, on even and a-morwe,'
Quod the Marchant, 'and so doon oother mo
That wedded been..."

[CFrance]

Using 's is a common mistake. I would blame it on modern education not emphasizing proper grammar like they used to, but I have friends as old or older than I who write things like "the Smith's" and pluralize with apostrophes, such as "the elephant's." It's nothing to get excited about, IMO. I'd rather concentrate on what the posters have to say.

I was an English major and an editor, and I've done things myself. Since it's no longer my job, I've learned to enjoy the post rather than critique the grammar. Unless you go back and proofread, mistakes will make it through. The other day I posted "laundry shoot" instead of "laundry chute." The lovely Gracie caught it and PM'd me.

And my keyboard refuses to capitalize.

[graciegirl]

DON'T talk about it. We all do it. We are communicating and we get the ...is it gist or jist of what the other is tryin' to say.???

I am very much against stirring up trouble for no good reason. However, I do that too.

We are all just people, doin' the best we can. And making mistakes. People can over time figure out what we are about.

It isn't always what we say or how we say it, it is what we mean.

[NottaVillager]

There is a sign for a restaurant that I drive by regularly that promotes special dinner prices on "Monday's". Monday's what? This drives me nuts.

The bottom line is that for some time our vaunted public schools have been turning out platoons of functionally illiterate people. Since proper language and writing isn't "trendy" it gets left by the wayside. There is no greater threat to any kind of freedom than a populace who cannot communicate properly and do not honor their language.

[DougB]

Using 's is a common mistake. I would blame it on modern education not emphasizing proper grammar like they used to, but I have friends as old or older than I who write things like "the Smith's" and pluralize with apostrophes, such as "the elephant's." It's nothing to get excited about, IMO. I'd rather concentrate on what the posters have to say.

I was an English major and an editor, and I've done things myself. Since it's no longer my job, I've learned to enjoy the post rather than critique the grammar. Unless you go back and proofread, mistakes will make it through. The other day I posted "laundry shoot" instead of "laundry chute." The lovely Gracie caught it and PM'd me.

And my keyboard refuses to capitalize.

Yup, most of the people posting on here making those mistakes are in their 60s and 70s so let's blame it on the lousy modern education not emphasizing grammar.

[DougB]

There is a sign for a restaurant that I drive by regularly that promotes special dinner prices on "Monday's". Monday's what? This drives me nuts.

The bottom line is that for some time our vaunted public schools have been turning out platoons of functionally illiterate people. Since proper language and writing isn't "trendy" it gets left by the wayside. There is no greater threat to any kind of freedom than a populace who cannot communicate properly and do not honor their language.

People who don't know anything about what goes on in our public schools should probably bite their lip (or keyboard) at times.

[Chi-Town]

Yup, most of the people posting on here making those mistakes are in their 60s and 70s so let's blame it on the lousy modern education not emphasizing grammar.
'60s and '70s or 60's and 70's or 60s and 70s......I'm so confused.

[CFrance]

'60s and '70s or 60's and 70's or 60s and 70s......I'm so confused.
Ha ha! I'm assuming you're kidding. If not, let me know. (Or let Prutzie know!)

[graciegirl]

It ain't that big a deal.

[Chi-Town]

OK. I've figured it out; sixties and seventies. Or, oh no, maybe sixty's and seventy's. Maybe a comma thread would get my mind off of this.

[Jaggy]

:loco:I'm retired.. I don't care... I also use r for are and u for you.. so their !!! I told my fingers it's ok.. my brain agreed.. and yes.. I know I used the wrong their. don't get in a snit

[Allegiance]

You'r so wright.

[Bonny]

It doesn't bother me ! I'm sitting here on the computer watching one of my tv's. :a20:

[EastCoastDawg]

[QUOTE=Prutzie;915074]I needed a forum in which to vent my frustration at this new phenomenon wherein most people seem to be using an apostrophe where it doesn't belong. A large percentage of people writing these posts are using apostrophes where a plural word is written such as: The ball hit's the bat. Honestly, I just saw that. I've seen this in television commercials as well as ads in newspapers. Is this something we are inheriting from the younger generation who has lost the ability to use proper English and grammar?QUOTE]


Spelling and grammar can be very poor on TOTV, and sometimes this can make for amusing reading, but we all make mistakes.

After all, "hits" is not a plural word in "the ball hits the bat", and "the younger generation who has..." should be "the younger generation which has...", although "...who have..." is common.

[Patty55]

Back in the day I wasn't sure of the correct spelling of the plural of "you". Somehow "youse" just didn't look right.

[DougB]

Back in the day I wasn't sure of the correct spelling of the plural of "you". Somehow "youse" just didn't look right.

You're in the south now. Plural of you is y'all.

[Patty55]

You're in the south now. Plural of you is y'all.

I prefer youse all, with all the New Yorkers here I think it might catch on.

[tippyclubb]

It could be worse.

Y u all b worry bout tis 2day. U jest wait tills 2moro it bes worser.

[mak44070]

See attachment!

[graciegirl]

See attachment!


That is exactly what I was tryin' to art tick you late.

[Polar Bear]

...I once wrote a text to my granddaughter and called her a slut...

I'm surprised you're still around to tell us about it! :)

[Wandatime]

Is it y'all or ya'll?

[perrjojo]

Back in the day I wasn't sure of the correct spelling of the plural of "you". Somehow "youse" just didn't look right.

It's ....all y'all in Texas!

[perrjojo]

Is it y'all or ya'll?
Y'all

[graciegirl]

Possessive is y'all's.

As in "Will you move y'all's cars so Betsy can go home and take the dog out?"

[blueash]

Weird Al Yankovic has just released a brilliant new song about grammar which everyone should enjoy. See the video "Word Crimes" and a commentary

“Weird Al” Yankovic “Word Crimes” video: Evaluating the “Blurred Lines”/Robin Thicke parody’s rules of usage. (http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2014/07/15/_weird_al_yankovic_word_crimes_video_evaluating_th e_blurred_lines_robin.html)

[HiHoSteveO]

I needed a forum in which to vent my frustration at this new phenomenon wherein most people seem to be using an apostrophe where it doesn't belong. A large percentage of people writing these posts are using apostrophes where a plural word is written such as: The ball hit's the bat. Honestly, I just saw that. I've seen this in television commercials as well as ads in newspapers. Is this something we are inheriting from the younger generation who has lost the ability to use proper English and grammar? Since texting and "shorthand" seem to be the "conversations" of the day, we are losing proper spelling. Shakespeare would cry ! :sing:
This linked website fits right in with this post.
He's pretty funny. (I double checked my apostrophe)

Common Errors in English Usage (http://public.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/index.html)

[Bonny]

The comedian Gallagher used to do some funny skits about grammar, the English language and phonics. It was so funny !

[uujudy]

I needed a forum in which to vent my frustration at this new phenomenon wherein most people seem to be using an apostrophe where it doesn't belong. A large percentage of people writing these posts are using apostrophes where a plural word is written such as: The ball hit's the bat. Honestly, I just saw that. I've seen this in television commercials as well as ads in newspapers. Is this something we are inheriting from the younger generation who has lost the ability to use proper English and grammar? Since texting and "shorthand" seem to be the "conversations" of the day, we are losing proper spelling. Shakespeare would cry ! :sing:


Typos, Apostrophe Abuse, and Other Assorted Offenses is a wonderful Facebook page that you can follow or like. You might want to check it out. It's very funny. https://www.facebook.com/typoz?hc_location=timeline :wave:

[perrjojo]

Possessive is y'all's.

As in "Will you move y'all's cars so Betsy can go home and take the dog out?"

Gracie, I rarely disagree with you but I would say, "Will y'all move all y'all's cars so Besty can go home and take the dog out? ". :a20:

[pooh]

Auto correct is not your friend.....

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r198/psylviaod/ae00bffd7390b22119d04101b65c80a8_zps76aaeaa8.jpg
:a20::a20::a20:

[ron122049]

Whoo cares. We're knot all Inglish maygers!

[Barefoot]

There is no greater threat to any kind of freedom than a populace who cannot communicate properly and do not honor their language.

I think gunz nd drugz r a grater threat but thats'' onlee mee.

[graciegirl]

Notta Villager. I understand your concern, but we aren't in school anymore and a little of what we learned is slipping. I am ALL for young people learning and using good grammar. It causes them to be respected and opens all kinds of doors for them.

But we are older and kinda not needing to be corrected on our language usage. It just isn't as important as health issues and aches and pains. I am a little, no a lot older than you, Notta. Wait and see.

[CFrance]

Auto correct is not your friend.....

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r198/psylviaod/ae00bffd7390b22119d04101b65c80a8_zps76aaeaa8.jpg
:a20::a20::a20:

Whoo cares. We're knot all Inglish maygers!

I think gunz nd drugz r a grater threat but thats'' onlee mee.
Y'all are crackin' me up!

[tedquick]

Weird Al Yankovic has just released a brilliant new song about grammar which everyone should enjoy. See the video "Word Crimes" and a commentary

“Weird Al” Yankovic “Word Crimes” video: Evaluating the “Blurred Lines”/Robin Thicke parody’s rules of usage. (http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2014/07/15/_weird_al_yankovic_word_crimes_video_evaluating_th e_blurred_lines_robin.html)

The Weird Al piece is wonderful!! It moves so quickly, however that it deserves at least a second, if not a third, viewing.

Most of today’s problems are a result of what many of us refer to as “government schools”. It’s more likely that they’ll be discussing sex education than teaching, what most of us old timers refer to as, proper English. There is a very popular morning radio show here in Omaha and two of the best announcers/talk people consistently use a comparative in place of the correct superlative, such as “They were the better team . . .”, when there are dozens of teams instead of only two. Lately, on the evening news, I’ve heard two or three of the most prominent weather personalities say, “you can expect ‘seasonable’ weather today”, instead of ‘seasonal’. And the list could go on.

My mother was an English teacher so she pounded The King’s English into my head. Being slightly OCD anyway I am embarrassed when I make errors of any kind and have given all of my friends, and particularly my wife, permission to correct me, in fact, I ask them to. For whatever it is worth, I am giving any/all who read my posts permission to let me know when I mess up. I have always learned best from my errors.

Even though in my own little world I am still controlled by my addiction to correctness, it is vastly more important that accurate communication be taking place than it is to always be grammatically correct. I try to keep that in mind each time I hear proper English being mutilated and disrespected.

[kittygilchrist]

Ironically, at this moment the post directly under this one is missing An apostrophe.
Let's....be honest.
For peace of mind, I had to pretty much give up using my red pen and let it go.

[CFrance]

Is it y'all or ya'll?
wandatime, that sign down on the road that goes past the entrance to Brownwood is wrong! (The one that says "Ya'all come back, ya hear?" Or however it's spelled.) Darn developer's advertiser doesn't know how to spell y'all!

[kittygilchrist]

Auto correct is not your friend.....

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r198/psylviaod/ae00bffd7390b22119d04101b65c80a8_zps76aaeaa8.jpg
:a20::a20::a20:

:a20:

[slipcovers]

If you come to Boston, you will see one of those lighted signs, on the highway, that reads "If yah wannah change lanes, use yah blinkahs" Hmmm, do we really talk like that in Boston?

[Chief X]

Improper use of apostrophes?...check out many many family names on sign posts all around the area. The Brown's... I think not.

[Shimpy]

It ain't that big a deal.

Exactly. Who cares? Those that are upset about correct english probably couldn't trig an angle and again who cares.

[Deseylou]

The one thing that drives me nuts is
Your and you're
I've gotten "professional" invitations with that mistake
Argh

[perrjojo]

wandatime, that sign down on the road that goes past the entrance to Brownwood is wrong! (The one that says "Ya'all come back, ya hear?" Or however it's spelled.) Darn developer's advertiser doesn't know how to spell y'all!
Musta been some Yankee made the sign. :crap2:

[perrjojo]

BTW, I would like to thank all y'all for making this a fun thread.

[billds567]

The opposite is the lack of use when people leave it out, or worse when it's not allowed in your name. O'Hara, O'Toole, O'Connor etc. have an apostrophe, always have, and now you often can't use it. I've had problems with airline tickets against my passport and being found in a data base. It was never an issue for the first 50 years or so but today it is often a problem.

[Bonny]

I don't know. I'm thinking the thread's about dog poop and smoker's is way more important than a thread on apostrophe's. :1rotfl::1rotfl:

[dotti105]

There are so many more important things on which to focus.

As long as I can understand the intent, isn't that what really matter??

[Polar Bear]

BTW, I would like to thank all y'all for making this a fun thread.

Yeah. To often two many people try too make things two serious.

[asianthree]

Ya gotta luv autocorrect :024:

[Bonanza]

And they can get you in trouble. I once wrote a text to my granddaughter and called her a slut. I can't remember what I had intended to write but it was not well received. LOL

Now, that is funny!

No . . . it's hysterical!

:a040:

[Bonanza]

'60s and '70s or 60's and 70's or 60s and 70s......I'm so confused.

I guess you know that it's 60s and 70s.

There isn't anything possessive about it when you are speaking about the time frame.