Forum newsfeeds
Forum Newsfeeds


Sites for Teachers

Sites for Teachers


Go Back   UsingEnglish.com ESL Forum > Learning English > Ask a Teacher

Notices

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1 (permalink)  
Old 15-Oct-2003, 14:12
Anonymous
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default Apostrophes

Do I use an apostrophe when writing the contraction for a military rank, First Sergeant, like this for more than one:

1stSgt's or 1stSgts
Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
  #2 (permalink)  
Old 15-Oct-2003, 14:40
Editor, UsingEnglish.com
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Country: UK
Posts: 24,922
Thanks: 1
Thanked 153 Times in 149 Posts
Current Location: Phnom Penh
First Language: English
Tdol has disabled reputation
Default

I'd say it's optional. I tend to avoid apostrophes for plurals, but if it looks clearer to you with one, then use it.
Reply With Quote
  #3 (permalink)  
Old 15-Oct-2003, 17:37
Casiopea's Avatar
VIP Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Country: Canada
Posts: 12,997
Thanks: 0
Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts
Current Location: China
First Language: English
Casiopea is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: Apostrophes

Quote:
Originally Posted by Say l
Do I use an apostrophe when writing the contraction for a military rank, First Sergeant, like this for more than one:

1stSgt's or 1stSgts
:)

1a. This is my 1stSgt's bunk. (singular, possessive)
1b. This is her bunk.

2a. This is the 1stSgts' table in the mess hall. (plural, possessive)
2b. This is their table.

3a. We have three 1stSgts posted with us. (plural)
3a. We have three people posted with us.

Cas :)
Reply With Quote
  #4 (permalink)  
Old 15-Oct-2003, 22:58
RonBee's Avatar
Moderator
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Country: USA
Posts: 11,888
Thanks: 27
Thanked 274 Times in 257 Posts
Current Location: North Carolina
First Language: English
RonBee is a jewel in the roughRonBee is a jewel in the roughRonBee is a jewel in the rough
Default

What Casiopea said.

:wink:
__________________
~R
Reply With Quote
  #5 (permalink)  
Old 16-Oct-2003, 23:14
Editor, UsingEnglish.com
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Country: UK
Posts: 24,922
Thanks: 1
Thanked 153 Times in 149 Posts
Current Location: Phnom Penh
First Language: English
Tdol has disabled reputation
Default

I don't like the use of the apostrophe here, but so many NESs use it that I cannot call it an error.
Reply With Quote
  #6 (permalink)  
Old 16-Apr-2008, 10:24
Newbie
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Country: New Zealand
Posts: 4
Thanks: 0
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Current Location: Christchurch
First Language: English
Mike the cool person is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: Apostrophes

Quote:
Originally Posted by Anonymous View Post
Do I use an apostrophe when writing the contraction for a military rank, First Sergeant, like this for more than one:

1stSgt's or 1stSgts

In cases like this ask yourself a simple question: If there was only one 1stSgt, where would I put the apostrophe? Obviously you wouldn't put one anywhere. So if you are talking about more than one 1stSgt (1stSgts) then the "s" at the end signifies plural, and plurals do not, by themselves, get an apostrophe. One TV. two TVs.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
None

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Apostrophes Tdol Advanced 18 28-Apr-2008 11:04
Apostrophes Tdol Beginner 21 03-Mar-2008 04:13
Apostrophes. Tibbs Ask a Teacher 3 18-Sep-2004 12:47
Apostrophes and Time Expressions markbarnard General Language Discussions 3 06-Mar-2003 16:06


All times are GMT. The time now is 19:44.


vBulletin, Copyright ©2000 - 2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.2.0 RC5
Copyright © 2002 - 2008 UsingEnglish.com