As an English teacher, I do not expect everyone to be as familiar with the grammar rules as I am, but I do expect some of the more basic rules to be followed...
Like how to use an apostrophe.
It is there to show when a letter or letters have been left out: shouldn't (should not), can't (cannot), should've (should have), etc.
Or it is used to show possession: Caden's shirt, the player's ball, The Smiths' house (all of the Smiths, not just one)
It is NOT, I repeat NOT EVER to be used to make a word plural. You add an -s or an -es to the word. Sometimes you have to change the 'y' to 'i' and add -es, but that's the only tricky part: shirts, Tuesdays, boxes, babies.
This Christmas when you create your cute photo cards that say Merry Christmas from the... don't put an apostrophe there. Just add an -s or an -es. Smiths, Aalberses, Steinbeckers - it's easy.
I realize I probably let this get to me a little bit too much. If I see this on a TV program like I did the other night (Food Network was talking about food phobias except they said phobia's), I will look at Stan and say, "You've got to be kidding me". If I see it in an email or blog, I just shake my head and vow to teach my students not to do this. If I see it written on a board I will stare at it forever, never hearing the point of the lesson or presentation.
Yes - I am a grammar nerd. But please - if you learn nothing else from reading this blog - please, please learn this lesson. It's the one thing I'm freaky about. I realize I need help, but until that day comes, just please do not use another apostrophe to make a word plural.
Stan - and my blood pressure - thank you for your consideration in this matter.
8 comments:
Amen, say it again! Using the apostrophe wrong drives me crazy, too! Using a subject when you need an object drives me almost as crazy. Example: "It was about Jenny and I." "Was" is a linking verb so you would normally need a subject "I", but because of the preposition "about," you need an object "me." I'm a grammar nerd, too. I just think things like that aren't that hard to memorize.
SOLIDARITY! I am a freak about this issue also. I was trained as a journalist in college so I tend to "notice" errors like this. Glad to know I'm not alone...
I so agree!!
Laura and I were just having the Christmas card discussion a few weeks ago....
thanks for bringing it up! hope you don't have a thing for ...s, tho :)seems like i can't stop using them.....
Hi, DeAnn. Long time no see. Just found your blog and will pass it on to Karen. Nice layout, and she will really enjoying the pics of Caden.
Does punctuation fall into the category of grammar?
To copy from your blog (I left my quotes off in order to show yours.)--
I will look at Stan and say, "You've got to be kidding me".
Personally, I think that final punctuation should go outside the quotes, but until that rule is changed (please tell me that it has been), I'll try to stick to it.
GOTCHA!
Your mom and dad were here yesterday and we had a good visit, almost 4 hours. Both of them have really lost a lot of weight since we last saw them -- looking good.
Karen will probably tell you about what she's been through lately when she emails you. Take care and keep up the good work.
John
OOPS! Typo -- "enjoying"
Uncle John,
Good to hear from you - even if you are calling me out!
You're probably right about the punctuation. It's something that didn't stick - even when I took my Advanced grammar & rhetoric class.
When I get to teaching that to my 11th graders, I ALWAYS have to consult my MLA handbook.
Nerd! (from one to another, right?)
Your Uncle John has led me to your blog. So neat. I've really enjoyed reading it. As far as grammar goes, it is our job as medical transcriptionists (also known as medical language specialists or medical text editors) to correct the dictator's grammar (yes, physicians, physicians assistants, and nurse practitioners. The most common mistake is subject-verb agreement. They get paid the big bucks, too!!
Aunt Karen Leigh
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