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.
Return to Language page
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