Apostrophes

“NEW YEARS EVE WITH CARSON DALY”

Apostrophes, Common English Blunders, Devolution toward Simpler, Possessives

I saw this title repeatedly on an NBC television program last evening.

Problem:
An apostrophe is missing.

Explanation:
There it was in all capital letters as we headed into the year 2008: a program title screaming to be scanned for errors. Sure enough, there was one.

The singular noun “YEAR” requires a possessive apostrophe followed by an “S” to indicate the possession of the “EVE” by the year. Another way to write this phrase is “EVE OF THE NEW YEAR …”.

I believe that the absence of a required possessive apostrophe can be attributable to:

  1. A typographical error;
  2. Ignorance about possessive apostrophes.

Given how bold the title was, I dismiss #1 for the program title. Surely someone at NBC would have caught the error, if she understood how to use possessive apostrophes.

That leaves us with #2 for the program title. I believe that this ignorance is consistent with my “Devolution toward Simpler” hypothesis. It’s simpler to write possessive words without apostrophes than to write them with apostrophes.

For help with apostrophes, I highly recommend Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss.

Solution:
“NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH CARSON DALY”

“Building the worlds best communications company …”

Apostrophes, Common English Blunders, Possessives

I saw this in an official communication from the number-two executive at the world’s largest telecommunications company.

Problem:
An apostrophe is missing.

Explanation:
The singular noun “world” requires a possessive apostrophe followed by an “s” to indicate the possession of the “best communications company” by the world. Another way to write this phrase is “Building the best communications company in the world …”.

Solution:
“Building the world’s best communications company …”

“Kid’s Club” vs. “Kids’ Club” vs. “Kids Club”

Apostrophes, Common English Blunders, Possessives, Versus

I saw all three of these at a fitness center.

Problem:
Inconsistent use of a possessive apostrophe makes it meaningless.

Explanation:
“Kid’s Club” says that there is one kid and that he or she has a club. “Kids’ Club” says that there are many kids and that they have a club. “Kids Club” says that there is a club for kids.

Solution:
Know why you’re using a possessive apostrophe.