Wednesday, March 29, 2006

No Bogus Apostrophes, Dude

Apostrophe. It sounds like the title of a Greek tragedy. Apostrophe was Antigone’s sister; you know, the possessive one.

But what’s really tragic is that so many people treat apostrophes like maraschino cherries, adding them to words whether they’re needed or not.

I see examples like this all the time:

• Back in the 60’s
• Apple’s - 3 for a dollar
• Womens’ restroom

Here’s how they should be spelled:

• Back in the ‘60s
• Apples – 3 for a dollar
• Women’s restroom

I know, I sound like an anal retentive, nitpicky cuckoo clock, but bad punctuation makes me all fatootzed. Sure, I have my own love-hate relationship with commas, but that’s another story.

And when I master the comma sutra, I’ll be sure to let you know.


3 comments:

Martha said...

>>>>Apostrophe was Antigone’s sister; you know, the possessive one. <<<<

Ahahahhaha.

P.S. And not to be nitpicky or anything, but shouldn't there be a hyphen in "anal-retentive"? (Hee.)

Anonymous said...

Bob the angry flower agrees:
http://angryflower.com/bobsqu.gif

Anonymous said...

I couldn't agree more!