Date:    Thu, 18 Jun 1998 00:52:21 -0400
<br>From:    Bryan Gick <bgick[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]SAPIR.LING.YALE.EDU>
<br>Subject: plural's - a new development?
<br>
<br>While I'm at it...
<br>
<br>I've been noticing something for the last few months that I can't ignore
<br>anymore: Lots of people seem to be using the orthographic apostrophe-s
<br>plural only after (orthographic?) vowels! A text will typically have lots
<br>and lots of standard -s plurals with one or two -'s ones tossed in. So
<br>far, all and only those words ending in a, o and i get -'s, and I haven't
<br>found any final u's or syllabic (non-silent) e's from people who do this.
<br>
<br>Examples - Here's the grand total of -'s plurals I've seen since I started
<br>noting them (omitting proper nouns, abbreviations and acronyms):
<br>
<br>1. In an insect repellent ad (http://www.outdoor-adventures.com/anglers/
<br>   forums/ontbuysell/messages/463.htm):
<br>-'s: mosquito's (x3), patio's
<br>-s:  bugs, insects, lotions, sprays, humans, animals, waves, decks, doors,
<br>     wholesalers, distributors.
<br>
<br>2. Web page for a renovations company (http://www.eagle123.com/Patio.htm):
<br>-'s: patio's
<br>-s:  renovations, carports (x2), enclosures (x2), covers, rooms.
<br>
<br>3. Local air service webpage
<br>   (http://www.akcache.com/bettleslodge/index.html):
<br>-'s: jacuzzi's
<br>-s:  languages, places, amenities, rooms, pilots, floats, adventures,
<br>     years, maps, rafts, canoes, stoves, bags, trips (x3), rates.
<br>
<br>4. Personal email from a 13-year-old family member:
<br>-'s: extra's
<br>-s:  guys (x2), rides
<br>
<br>5. Department store poster ad (women's "Sunsations" bathing suits):
<br>-'s: bra's
<br>-s:  contours, ruffles, colors, prints, stripes...[there were more but I
<br>     stopped transcribing].
<br>
<br>So, am I losing my mind?
<br>Bryan
<br>