Showing posts with label singular possessive. Show all posts
Showing posts with label singular possessive. Show all posts

Friday, December 19, 2008

Apostrophe Catastrophe!

One of the most common errors in writing is using the apostrophe incorrectly in plurals and possessives. I received an email from one consultant whose lines I quote here: In addition, I personally conduct coaching and mentorship programs for senior executives, managers and CEO's.
This gentleman has used an apostrophe for a plural. Could be a careless mistake or he simply got confused!
A couple of things to remember while using the apostrphe:
  • Use an apostrophe to indicate possession. Example:

The dog's kennel is in the garden. The apostrophe is before the s when you are writing about one dog. (Singular possessive)

The dogs' kennel is in the garden. The apostrophe is after the s when you are writing about more than one dog. (Plural possessive)

  • Nouns in the plural form don't take an apostrophe. So the consultant should have written thus: In addition, I personally conduct coaching and mentorship programs for senior executives, managers and CEOs.