apostrophe

   The principal functions of the apostrophe are to indicate omitted letters (dont, cant, wouldn't) and to show the possessive (strictly, the genitive) case (Johns book, the banks money, the peoples choice).

   Two types of error occur with some frequency and are worth noting. They involve:

   1. Multiplepossessives. This problem can be seen here: "This is a sequel to Jeremy Pauls and Alan Gibsons play" (Times). The question is whether both of the apostrophes are necessary, and the answer in this instance is no. Because the reference is to a single play written jointly, only the second-named man needs to be in the possessive. Thus it should be "Jeremy Paul and Alan Gibsons play." If the reference were to two or more plays written separately, both names would have to carry apostrophes. The rule is that when possession is held in common, only the nearer antecedent should be possessive; when possession is separate, each antecedent must be in the possessive.

   2. Plural units of measure. Many writers who would never think of omitting the apostrophes in "a fair days pay for a fair days work" often do exactly that when the unit of measure is increased. Consider: "Laker gets further thirty days credit" (Times headline); "Mr. Taranto, who had nineteen years service with the company. . ." (New York Times). Both days and years should carry an apostrophe. Alternatively we could insert an of after the time elements ("thirty days of credit," "nineteen years of service"). One or the other is necessary.

   The problem is often aggravated by the inclusion of unnecessary words, as in each of these examples: "The scheme could well be appropriate in twenty-five years time, he said" (Times); "Many diplomats are anxious to settle the job by the end of the session in two weeks time" (Observer); "The government is prepared to part with several hundred acres worth of property" (Time magazine). Each requires an apostrophe. But that need could be obviated by excluding the superfluous wordage. What is "in twenty-five years' time" if not "in twenty-five years"? What does "several hundred acres' worth of property" say that "several hundred acres" does not?