Date:    Thu, 18 Jun 1998 08:56:28 -0400
<br>From:    Alan Baragona <baragonasa[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]VAX.VMI.EDU>
<br>Subject: Re: plural's - a new development?
<br>
<br>Perhaps writers do this because, subconsciously at least, they are unsure of
<br>whether the plural should add -s or -es (especially so with final -o) so
<br>they instinctively "compromise" with an apostrophe.
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>At 12:52 AM 6/18/98 -0400, Bryan Gick wrote:
<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>>
<br>