It's lewis'S not lewis'

esuhl

I remember reading a Pocket OED that said (in an appendix) that Lewis' would be the archaic version for very old names, while Lewis's would be the modern way of writing. It went on to say that neither would be considered incorrect, however.

Anyone know why the tube stations are written "Earl's Court" (with an apostrophe) and "Barons Court" (without one)?

And while we're on the subject, I saw hundreds of signs about "Mother's Day", but I never did find out which mother they were referring to... Shouldn't they have said "Mothers' Day" instead...?

davetrousers

esuhl wrote: »

And while we're on the subject, I saw hundreds of signs about "Mother's Day", but I never did find out which mother they were referring to... Shouldn't they have said "Mothers' Day" instead...?

I would say Mother's Day is correct because it is a day for your Mother (and you only have 1 of them). It is not for Mothers collectively as such.

If it was Mothers' Day you would have to buy flowers for all Mothers, rather than just your Mother.

phlogeston

williham wrote: »

I definitely didn't fail GCSE English if you're referring to me.

What is a GCSE? Is that anything like an 'O' Level?

Calvinandhobbs

davetrousers wrote: »

I would say Mother's Day is correct because it is a day for your Mother (and you only have 1 of them). It is not for Mothers collectively as such.

If it was Mothers' Day you would have to buy flowers for all Mothers, rather than just your Mother.

Both are incorrect, it's 'Mothering Sunday'

Horace

Is this still rattling on?

I was always taught that I could either write Lewis's or Lewis' dropping the final s, it actually looks better without. Language is wonderful and I think that everyone should be taught Latin at school too because it helps you to learn where words have come from.

There is a row going on in Birmingham at the moment over road signs because they are dumbing down the language by removing apostrophes e.g. on St Paul's Square there are two signs one with an apostrophe and one without - apparently it is down to cost but I personally think that it is purely due to the uneducated people employed by the council:rolleyes:

Bring back O Levels as they were more difficult than the GCSEs we have today which are easy peasy lemon squeezy:rolleyes:

Pinzy

I love stumbling across grammar arguments, because I learn so much!

Personally, in the topic example, I prefer using a single apostrophe, without the extra 'S' on the end. It looks neater

thelawnet

phlogeston wrote: »

What is a GCSE? Is that anything like an 'O' Level?

It's similar but much easier. Spelling and grammar are no longer considered important. Grammar is now seldom taught in state schools.

Did you study restrictive and non-restrictive relative pronouns, the subjective and objective case and the like when you were at school?

GrammarGirl

thelawnet wrote: »

It's similar but much easier. Spelling and grammar are no longer considered important. Grammar is now seldom taught in state schools.

Did you study restrictive and non-restrictive relative pronouns, the subjective and objective case and the like when you were at school?

I did an English GCSE, an English Lit A Level and a degree based in English and have never been taught non-restrictive pronouns or the subjective and objective case! Fortunately, as I'm a writer and need to know such things to do my job properly, I went to a plain English training course where they taught me all about the above, nominalisation, passive verbs, etc etc! Very interesting and I'd recommend it to anyone wanting a better understanding of our language!

GrammarGirl

Just to add as well - how many people think it's incorrect to start a sentence with 'and'?!

:rolleyes:

KimYeovil

phlogeston wrote: »

What is a GCSE? Is that anything like an 'O' Level?

That is dangerously inflammatory! Of course, with your name that must be your deliberate intention. We will resist biting.