That Confusing “S”

Margie Wakeman WellsThe Apostrophe 2 Comments

The last post on the “s” engendered more than a few questions. Here are a couple of answers. In the construction, “…one of the girl’s/girls’ phones…” or “…one of the voter’s/voters’ choices…,” the form should be plural possessive. …We were talking with one of the girls’ friends at the time. …It has to deal with one of his friends’ mothers. …

That Confusing “S”

Margie Wakeman WellsThe Apostrophe, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

When a proper name ends in “s” and we have to make it plural or possessive, it seems it is always a bit jarring. There are several things to keep in mind: First, when a surname has the word “the” in front of it, it is always plural. …I saw the Cohens when I visited D.C. …The Johnsons joined us …

We Are the Only Ones Who…

Margie Wakeman WellsGeneral Leave a Comment

…are listening to the WAY something is said. When “2-0-4” is said as the year, everyone but the reporter hears “2004.” Though we certainly want to be verbatim, this is a time that trying to use an apostrophe or a hyphen just makes no sense. Put “2004” and get on with life. 🙂 Happy punctuating! Margie

Those Darn Hyphens

Margie Wakeman WellsThe Apostrophe Leave a Comment

If a noun is listed as separate words, then it stays separate words — and is not hyphenated — as a direct (right in front of the noun) adjective. …He is in real estate. …He is a real estate broker. …He is in high school. …He is a high school senior. This gets a little crazy since it means that …

More Errors in the News on the Internet…

Margie Wakeman WellsGeneral, The Apostrophe 2 Comments

Reading news on the Internet certainly gives me lots of chance to share with all of you. You get to work on your proofreading skills three time in one week and twice today! …Of the parent’s plan for their children, the source said, “They want to fill their children’s lives with as much love as possible… …oil worker – now …

Apostrophe or Hyphen

Margie Wakeman WellsGeneral, The Apostrophe, The Hyphen Leave a Comment

When there is a quantity, measurement, distance, value, amount that is expressed as a direct adjective (right in front of a noun) AND there is an “s” on the adjective, use an apostrophe “s” when it is singular and an “s” apostrophe when it is plural. …one minute’s delay …five minutes’ delay …one week’s vacation …two weeks’ vacation When there …