A complete guide to English language

**Skweeky** · 05-31-2007, 02:24 PM

I can't take it anymore.
Today I was on the bus and I noticed a poster with this printed on it

' The following service's will be running ... '

So I've decided, for once and for all, I'm going to explain the use of the apostrophe.

* They are never used to make a plural
e.g 1 service, 2 services
1 kiss, 2 kisses
1 sheep, 2 sheep

* They usual point to an abbreviation:
e.g. It's a nice day = It is a nice day
There's a man at the door = There is a man at the door

* They are also used to create a possesive form
e.g Ben's toys
The dog's bone

Except when using 'it' 'her' 'our' 'yours'
e.g The bone is in its mouth

* If you are referring to a plural possesive however, the apostrophe goes AFTER the last letter
e.g The dogs' bones

Thank you

**Snee** · 05-31-2007, 02:57 PM

Thank's, that halp's.

**backlash** · 05-31-2007, 05:18 PM

Originally Posted by Snee

Thank's, that halp's.

LOL

**thewizeard** · 05-31-2007, 05:49 PM

I was wondering about that and also felt rather shy recently, regarding their usage. The reason being; I would be ashamed to be corrected by smart foreigner especially if she be a woman! Same problem with colons and worse semi-colons; any tips?

**Mr JP Fugley** · 05-31-2007, 05:53 PM

Actually they don't make an abbreviation, it's a contraction.

**thewizeard** · 05-31-2007, 05:58 PM

Originally Posted by Mr JP Fugley

Actually they don't make an abbreviation, it's a contraction.

Go on Mr. J.P. Fugley, someone must put her in her place; next she will rewrite the complete dictionary and probably call it a theasurus; and they are dangerous.