tegwini Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 I really find it hard to understand how so many do not understand how to use the apostrophe.Quick lesson:either when it's a word contraction it is = it's, can't don't wouldn't etc.or when it's possessive Joe's shirt, a year's pay etc. not needed - the dog's kennel - the dog is in its kennelI have noticed dont, cant, when it was meant to be don't and can't, as well as misuse of the apostrophe on this forum recently, and it is so easy !And, I am not a member of the "Apostrophe Protection Society" !Tegwini Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chancer Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 And you are probably the only one who has not complained bitterly (sometimes rudely) about the apostrophe in my forum name.I blame Lynn Truss.Or the real culprit the forum software, but don't quote me on that [:D] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tegwini Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 Yes JR quite right, never have - you at least make sense since it is a word contraction,.The computer software (and others) ought to know better!RegardsTegwini Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dog Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 I trust you all saw how Birmingham Council has just issued new road signs and have decided to lose the hyphen altogether. Hyphen activists have sworn to make night-time swoops to paint them in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g8vkv Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 I recently got really grumpy about a (repeat) BBC Horizon programme "The President's Guide to Science" in which the wretched presenter (Helen McRory) kept saying "nucular" instead of "nuclear". Grrrr!Its only saving grace was when a scary-looking Richard Dawkins said in a taking-no-prisoners moment "Anyone who doesn't accept evolution is ignorant, stupid or insane". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooperlola Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 JR, you'll just have to be "J.R. has gone native" - then neither Lynn Truss nor the software will mind.[:)]Thanks to all for your lose v loose tips - I like Cat's idea that lose has lost an o - I may very well remember that. I'm not sure if I want to think about your stools, Sweets!The problem is that I know very well there's a difference but normally I'm b*gg*red if I can remember which is which.[:-))] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powerdesal Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 [quote user="tegwini"]I have noticed dont, cant, when it was meant to be don't and can't, and it is so easy Tegwini[/quote]Guilty as charged, because sometimes I cant be bothered and then dont care. [:P] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tegwini Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 SteveIt's everywhere, but just remember that even the google spell check doesn't recognise 'dont', perhaps cant -Oh dear, is this what this is all about ?RegardsTegwini Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powerdesal Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 My yahoo recognises 'dont' and flags up choices including don't, it doesn't do cant because cant is an actual word as in 'cant', neither doeswont raise a flag for similar reasons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Âme Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 [quote user="powerdesal"]Guilty as charged, because sometimes I cant be bothered and then dont care. [:P][/quote]As is your wont. That's a cant, if ever there was one, (Cant as in: stock phrases that have become nonsense through endless repetition. Not as in: a characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves)!). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powerdesal Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 I was wont to use the phrase 'cant and superstition' but I won't because I can't imagine that it is correct and don't want to check.[:P] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tegwini Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 10/10 for getting won't, can't and don't correct !Clever boy.Tegwini Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Âme Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 If you'd like to test what you learned from Lynn Truss, here are 20 quick questions.BBC magazine English test Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pierre ZFP Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 Blast - only 18 out of 20 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suein56 Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 [quote user="Âme"] here are 20 quick questions. [/quote]I am appalled as I have discovered I don't know the difference between a metaphor and a simile; obviously no hope for me then ...Sue[:(][8-)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cluzo Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 Me too Sue . Metaphors and similes tripped me up - But otherwise Im brilliant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooperlola Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 Can't believe I got all the spelligs rite and mucked up a punctuation question[:@]. 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powerdesal Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 Only 16 /20 I am disgusted with myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dog Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 [quote user="Âme"]If you'd like to test what you learned from Lynn Truss, here are 20 quick questions.BBC magazine English test[/quote] Darnabitt I cannot spell questioannaire or whatever it was... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 Swot or what? 20 out of 20. But then, I am not English and I was a Teacher of English. Says it all, I'm afraid! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baypond Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 oops 14/20 but I take comfort in the fact that 70% gets me A+'s and a first class honors thrown in for free these days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keni Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 Just being (pernickity) (pernickaty) (pernicity) awkward, but is it, as I was taught, Good night from Jeremy & I, or me?I was taught at school, one always said () and I, not me!Also, the sign painted on the shop opposite mine, by a signwriter says, 'News & Stationary'!!! It should be stationery - 'cos its moving not staying put!! arghhh.. I have to look at that every day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubbles Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 It's "me" because it is after a preposition and not the subject of the sentence.You wouldn't say "goodnight from I" ,would you"Oh, god, there should be a question mark in there somewhere but im bugg*****d if i can be bothered where to put it.and this new computer won't put in the capital letters for me but i do know where they should be - honest! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keni Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 Cheers Bubbles - I thought it always sounded strange when I said it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pierre ZFP Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 [quote user="bubbles"] and this new computer won't put in the capital letters for me but i do know where they should be - honest![/quote]I understand that e.e.cummings had the same problem Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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