Apostrophes

[Anonymous]

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

 

[Tdol]

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. ;-)

 

[Casiopea]

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

 

[RonBee]

What Casiopea said.

:wink:

 

[Tdol]

I don't like the use of the apostrophe here, but so many NESs use it that I cannot call it an error. ;-)

 

[Mike the cool person]

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.