About apostrophe "s"

[Rezafo]

Hello all,

Comprehensive replies to the blow questions are appreciated:
1- Do we use apostrophe "s" even for objects?
oxford dictionary example sentence: "the ship's deck was awash with sea water"


2- Is this sentence should be said with apostrophe s, or no it's OK as it is, or both of them are OK?
A- The new Kevin Costner movie
B- The new Kevin Costner's movie
what's the difference if we use "s" and if don't use it? What is the basic and firm rule for apostrophe s, so that we never fail to use it?


3- Again, this question is about apostrophe "s".
C- The bag buckle
D- The bag's buckle
which one is correct? what's the rule?


4- What does this phrase mean?
She's a trip !
(from the movie Black Swan)

 

[Raymott]

Hello all,

Comprehensive replies to the below questions are appreciated:
1- Do we use apostrophe "s" even for objects?
oxford dictionary example sentence: "the ship's deck was awash with sea water"
Yes, we can. Here's an example from Oxford, "the ship's deck was awash with sea water"
But, as you can see from your question 3 below, it's not always necessary.

2- Is this sentence should be said with apostrophe s, or no it's OK as it is, or both of them are OK?
A- The new Kevin Costner movie Yes.
B- The new Kevin Costner's movie No. "Kevin Costner's new movie", but not both "the" and "Costner's".
what's the difference if we use "s" and if don't use it? What is the basic and firm rule for apostrophe s, so that we never fail to use it?

3- Again, this question is about apostrophe "s".
C- The bag buckle Possible
D- The bag's buckle Also possible.
which one is correct? what's the rule?


4- What does this phrase mean? Not sure; it seems misplaced in your post. It probably means, "She a wag/a riot" - She's a very entertaining person who's fun to be around.
She's a trip !
(from the movie Black Swan)

I haven't given you the comprehensive reasons you asked for, because I don't think such comprehensive "rules" exist. Much of English has evolved without the help of rules, and what we are left with is conventions or habits. Your question seems to fit that description.
What have you found out so far in your research on the web?

 

[Rezafo]

The last question isn't misplace, but to spare a split thread!

Thanks for your answers.

What I have found on the web as of yet, ain't a concrete answer for its rule. All, even teachers sound to rely more and securely on their ears and mostly heard or read patterns, rather than referring to a specific grammar point or rule with which we can substantiate the discussed question or refer to it in order to satisfy the students' questions accordingly. :roll: