[Grammar] RE: Apostrophe After Abbreviation Question

[monsterjazzlicks]

RE: Apostrophe After Abbreviation Question

Hi folks,

I have been trying to find out the correct grammatical way to express an abbreviated plural. So, whether or not to include an apostrophe as in the following example:

"He owned a lot of DVD's."

"He owned a lot of DVDs."
​

As you can see, the former has an apostrophe while the latter does not. I have seen this expressed both ways, but I dare say this may possibly be a situation of 'US vs. UK' grammar.

Many thanks in advance for any kind assistance offered here.

Best,

Paul

 

[GoesStation]

Re: Apostrophe After Abbreviation Question

Resist the temptation to use an apostrophe even though many native speakers succumb.

I think the trend is favoring my position (e.g., the correct one ), but that may be wishful thinking on my part.

 

[monsterjazzlicks]

Re: Apostrophe After Abbreviation Question

Resist the temptation to use an apostrophe even though many native speakers succumb.

I think the trend is favoring my position (e.g., the correct one ), but that may be wishful thinking on my part.

For me, I find (visually) it looks wrong without the apostrophe! Perhaps this is because there is a lower-case 's' following three 'capital' letters. Although I am not disagreeing with your kind advice (with I will take).

 

[jutfrank]

Re: Apostrophe After Abbreviation Question

For me, I find (visually) it looks wrong without the apostrophe! Perhaps this is because there is a lower-case 's' following three 'capital' letters.

So how then does adding an apostrophe make it look right?! If a punctuation point is unnecessary, it's nothing but distracting clutter.

 

[monsterjazzlicks]

Re: Apostrophe After Abbreviation Question

So how then does adding an apostrophe make it look right?! If a punctuation point is unnecessary, it's nothing but distracting clutter.

Well, I meant that the apostrophe kind of adds a little (visual) separation between the three 'capitals' and the 's'.

 

[monsterjazzlicks]

Re: Apostrophe After Abbreviation Question

So how then does adding an apostrophe make it look right?! If a punctuation point is unnecessary, it's nothing but distracting clutter.

Thinking about it now, yes, you are correct.

The 's' is a part of the (latter) word "Disc'" and so definitely does not require an apostrophe. I mean, when taking the word/phrase out of it's abbreviated version, I can see where the correct punctuation was amiss.

 

[emsr2d2]

Re: Apostrophe After Abbreviation Question

Well, I meant that the apostrophe kind of adds a little (visual) separation between the three 'capitals' and the 's'.

But there shouldn't be any separation of the noun and its "s" in a plural noun.