EngQuizzitive-CET-6 (grammar):Apostrophe:Answers

The enigma called the apostrophe........

Generally students attribute the usage of the apostrophe sign to indicate possession. But a closer look at the placement of the apostrophe reveals something else.

Carefully look at what the apostrophe connotes in the following examples:

• It’s means it is; here the apostrophe stands for a missing i
• I’m means I am ; here the apostrophe stands for a missing a
• Ma’am means madam; here the apostrophe stands for a missing d
• 2o’clock means 2 of the clock ; here the apostrophe stands for a missing f

In all these cases an apostrophe simply means a word or a letter missing [traditionally an apostrophe was always used to indicate a letter missing]. So possibly in the usage Sneha’s bag the apostrophe could mean a missing word. Since this phrase means the bag belongs to Sneha it could mean a missing her. How?

This can be traced to a different word order that was a characteristic of old English. Sneha’s bag was written as Sneha her bag/John’s bag was written as John his bag.So an apostrophe with Sneha or John was used to indicate a missing his/her.

Since his and her indicate possession the apostrophe with a noun getst its current meaning that of indicating possession.

On this basis all the rules regarding the usage of the apostrophe can be explained. Here are few of them:

• Inanimate objects do not take an apostrophe (possessive pronouns can be used only for animate objects because only animate objects can possess)
• Possessive pronouns like hers, yours do not take an apostrophe (would lead to duplication)
• Words ending in the sound ‘s’ are followed only by the sign [‘] ( to prevent the hissing sound during pronunciation) e.g. Keats’, Charles’

So logic still prevails

Answers

1. Prince Charles' / Charles's  friend,Camilla ,is well known in social circles. [though traditional English grammar would not accept the second form , modern English usage does accept]
2. The first part of the novel is full of dense prose and delicately nuanced details. [inanimate objects do not take an apostrophe]
3. It's time we woke up and remember that each of us is important. [it's = it is / its : possessive pronoun]
4. The management is looking for someone with a good knowledge of French and with ten years'/years of experience in teaching. [the plural of year does not take an apostrophe]
5. Raju's and Ravi's workshops that are just round the corner,service motorbikes of all kinds. [ since the workshops belong to both Raju and Ravi both the nouns would take an apostrophe]

 Any queries on the quiz please post them in the comments section of this post.