Alright, GN, I'm not as tough on grammar you are, but I can be a stickler. Here's my dilemma: explain the rules around "who's" and "whose"...
Also, I read somewhere that it is now acceptable to either an apostrophe after an "s" or to add an apostrophe and an "s." For example, "I borrowed Tom Jones' shovel." and "I borrowed Tom Jones's shovel." Personally, I've always used the former and always will, but I just read for the first time this year that both are acceptable.
(12-31-2009 07:48 PM)blazr Wrote: [ -> ]Also, I read somewhere that it is now acceptable to either an apostrophe after an "s" or to add an apostrophe and an "s."
That's been standard for as long as I can remember.
(12-31-2009 07:51 PM)Smaug Wrote: [ -> ] (12-31-2009 07:48 PM)blazr Wrote: [ -> ]Also, I read somewhere that it is now acceptable to either an apostrophe after an "s" or to add an apostrophe and an "s."
That's been standard for as long as I can remember.
Really? I had an English teacher in high school that would have used electroshock therapy on us over the latter if it was in any way legal. Of course, we were still learning typing on electric typewriters as computers weren't that prevalent yet...even in the corporate world. So, when I did start using computers extensively, I had to train myself that "single-spaced" was really ok...
(12-31-2009 07:48 PM)blazr Wrote: [ -> ]Alright, GN, I'm not as tough on grammar you are, but I can be a stickler. Here's my dilemma: explain the rules around "who's" and "whose"...
Also, I read somewhere that it is now acceptable to either an apostrophe after an "s" or to add an apostrophe and an "s." For example, "I borrowed Tom Jones' shovel." and "I borrowed Tom Jones's shovel." Personally, I've always used the former and always will, but I just read for the first time this year that both are acceptable.
"Whose" is a personal pronoun. "Who's" is a contraction of "who is."
i.e.: Whose fart do I smell? vs. Who's farting?
The answer to both of those questions is usually whoever just ate my chili.
The apostrophe is correct either way. It's a matter of personal preference. However, in AP Style, for space, you leave off the second "s."
(12-31-2009 08:19 PM)Grammar-Nazi Wrote: [ -> ]"Whose" is a personal pronoun. "Who's" is a contraction of "who is."
i.e.: Whose fart do I smell? vs. Who's farting?
The answer to both of those questions is usually whoever just ate my chili.
The apostrophe is correct either way. It's a matter of personal preference. However, in AP Style, for space, you leave off the second "s."
Who says grammar lessons can't be fun?
Is this an example you use with your students?
And do you use this example with or without sensory illustration?
Yes, I have used this and similar examples with my students. Sensory illustration is usually omitted, however.
and there was much rejoicing..
Yay.
Notice he said "usually."