Apostrophes

I understand the plural and possessive rules for using an apostrophe. However, I find the rules for apostrophe use a bit confusing when a word is plural and possessive. Recently, I searched on Google (as I often do) for more explanations about apostrophes and their proper uses. I found some great information and even a flowchart that explains, with examples and illustrations, how to use an apostrophe correctly. It simplifies apostrophe use with plurals, possessives and contractions. As a visual learner, the chart was quite helpful to me.

Flickr uses photos to point out numerous incorrect uses of the apostrophe. The images are quite funny and made me realize I wasn't as confused as others!

Grammar rules do not apply

A whole new abbreviated language, one without grammar rules, has evolved for the convenience of communicating quick short messages. Instant messaging (IM) and text messaging has become a popular way to talk using uncommon abbreviations or SMS (short message service). Learning text lingo may be similar to learning a foreign language. At least it was for me. There are no rule books, dictionaries or style guides to consult, only websites devoted to text message shorthand. Here are a few examples from txtDrop.com



So what are the effects of all this texting? Is it creating poor spelling habits? It seems that there are different opinions on the subject. In his book Txtng: the Gr8 Db8 , linguistic expert David Crystal reveals the findings of his study on texting. The Times article describes his research in detail. He also shares reactions to his study on his blog.

You can read a different view on the effects of texting in an article written by an English teacher in American Teacher on BNET.

These are two examples that give contrasting views on a new communication phenomenon. Modern technology has indeed initiated a new debate. One that I'm sure will engage grammarians, teachers, and linguists universally.

The English language is always evolving. New words are regularly added to the dictionary that reflect changes in culture and innovation. Remember when your teacher told you that ain't wasn't even a word. Well now you can find it in the dictionary.

Lessons Learned

It seems that the school-age rule I learned about not ending a sentence with a preposition is incorrect. According to the Chicago Manual of Style, a sentence can end in a preposition. I just recently discovered this, but unfortunately, I had already passed on some misinformation to my son. He is in the seventh grade and wrote a report on Ancient West Africa for school. He received an A and brought it him to show me. I was happy about the good grade but was curious about his work and so I read through the report. It was well done but I pointed out a few punctuation mistakes that his teacher had missed. I also commented on the incorrect use of a preposition at the end of the sentence shown here.

After I learned this bit of information about prepositions, I had to eat my words. I went back to him and told him I had made a mistake and that, in fact, there are instances when it grammatically correct to end a sentence with a preposition.

So in the end it was a lesson for both of us. One he learned much earlier than I did.

Technical Editors - not just proofreaders

Not everyone is familiar with the field of technical editing. A technical editor revises documents in more specialized subject matters such as science, engineering, or medicine. But a technical editor is much more than a proofreader. Their roles are broader than you might expect and computer technology has expanded the job functions of editors to include editing online documentation as well as printed text.

It is imperative that editors have an understanding of correct grammar and mechanics and document style and design. They must be able to support their amendments with warranted evidence from relevant style manuals. Editors also must understand a documents purpose and the needs of its users. They should view documents through the eyes of their readers. Consideration should be given to their audience’s language and culture. In addition, they should understand the legal and ethical rules of editing and commit to learning applicable developments in computer technology. Editors should be efficient in communication and establish collaborative relationships with writers and subject matter experts. Their goal should not be to simply point out necessary corrections but to effectively work with a team to deliver a proficient product.




Elliot, Norbert. “PTC 624 Lecture-Professional and Technical Editing in the 21st Century .”Podcast. NJIT iTunesU. (accessed Jan 22, 2010). “PTC 624 Lecture-Warranting Evidence in the Editing Process.” Podcast. NJIT iTunesU. (accessed Jan 22, 2010).

Rude, Carolyn. Technical Editing. Fourth. Pearson Education, 2006. Print.