Sharing grammar tips from Cliff's Notes
I subscribe to an email which has grammar and spelling hints. Thought I would share since so many on my flist are fanfic (and RL) writers). I was quite surprised by the first one, as I had heard differently in the past.
Grammar: Handling Apostrophe-S Situations
When the singular or collective form of a noun ends in -s,
there are two ways to form the possessive. The preferred method is to add
apostrophe-s (-'s). However, some publications add only the
apostrophe.
In most cases, apostrophes should not be used to form plurals. Some
publications use apostrophes with dates, but this should be avoided if clarity
can be preserved.
However, some coined phrases do use apostrophes to indicate plurals (note
that the apostrophe is necessary here to avoid confusion). Also, common
abbreviations that have more than one period require the use of an apostrophe.
Use apostrophes with forms fashioned with verbs that are also abbreviations.
Grammar: Handling Apostrophe-S Situations
When the singular or collective form of a noun ends in -s,
there are two ways to form the possessive. The preferred method is to add
apostrophe-s (-'s). However, some publications add only the
apostrophe.
- Paris's lights reflect beautifully off the Seine.
- The Jones's car is parked in the driveway.
- The class's attendance this year was excellent.
In most cases, apostrophes should not be used to form plurals. Some
publications use apostrophes with dates, but this should be avoided if clarity
can be preserved.
- We began the practice in the 1980s.
- He followed the four Cs when buying her diamond: color, clarity, cut, and
cost.
- I have all of Aerosmith's CDs.
- There were three Cindys in my third-grade class.
However, some coined phrases do use apostrophes to indicate plurals (note
that the apostrophe is necessary here to avoid confusion). Also, common
abbreviations that have more than one period require the use of an apostrophe.
- I told my daughter to mind her p's and q's when she went to her friend's
house.
- Elizabeth has earned three M.A.'s and two Ph.D.'s.
Use apostrophes with forms fashioned with verbs that are also abbreviations.
- O.K.'d
- O.K.'ing