Apostrophes, the cottage sign error
As I drive through cottage country, I notice signs announcing the proud owners of the rustic dwellings at the ends of the driveways:
The Smith's
The Sawchuk's
The Campbell's
The apostrophe indicates possession, and the object possessed, the cottage, is understood. What the sign means is: here is the Smith's cabin! But is there only one Smith, and does he style himself, The Smith?
Presumably, these cottages belong to the families - the Smiths, the Sawchuks, and the Campbells; and so the apostrophe should be placed after the "s" to indicate plural possession, as in The Smiths', The Sawchuks', and The Campbells'.
I have noticed that on these signs only rarely is the apostrophe in the right place. See for yourself next time you're in cottage country.
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The Smith's
The Sawchuk's
The Campbell's
The apostrophe indicates possession, and the object possessed, the cottage, is understood. What the sign means is: here is the Smith's cabin! But is there only one Smith, and does he style himself, The Smith?
Presumably, these cottages belong to the families - the Smiths, the Sawchuks, and the Campbells; and so the apostrophe should be placed after the "s" to indicate plural possession, as in The Smiths', The Sawchuks', and The Campbells'.
I have noticed that on these signs only rarely is the apostrophe in the right place. See for yourself next time you're in cottage country.
Return to Language page
