apostrophes: the bane of my existence
There is absolutely no way to say this without sounding like a huge, obsessive, English nerd, JERK…. But I’m sorry. I can’t help it. If I get one more Christmas present/card/letter/friendly hallow addressed to “THE WALKER’S” there is going to be Hell to pay.
“The Walker’s” (with an apostrophe) shows possession. So I ask, to whom/what are you addressing said gift….The Walker’s what? The Walker’s mailbox? The Walker’s doorstep? The Walker’s Christmas tree? And who is this elusive (singular) Walker? Is it the Texas Ranger? Because if you’re intending to address something to both Brad and Michelle, you would need to put the apostrophe in the plural form so we’re both represented, i.e.: The Walkers’ …However, the question still arises: “The Walkers’ what?” We’re still dabbling in the confusing plural possessive apostrophe usage.
So please, next time you address a gift to “The Walkers,” “The Smiths,” or “The Joneses” (I know, it looks funny but it’s right), don’t misuse the apostrophe. In fact, don’t use him at all. He’s a small punctuation mark but he has feelings, and he doesn’t like to be thrown into places where he’s unwelcome.
I know that no one cares about this as much as I do. I’m guessing that no one even notices where apostrophes are placed on things as trivial as gift tags. I'm also guessing that some of you have hurt feelings; I promise, that was never my intention. And I’m sure that you’re all sick of my rant.
Love,
The Walkers
Comments
I read this blog-gem to my Euphony staff and they were giddy with elitist-ism. You are now their hero too. Nerdiness loves company.
isabel and i were bored in the back seat of your mom's car, as laurel and deann were discussing the necessity of a separate cd case for christmas cds (plural, no apostrophe), when i heard you text laurel. she said she would be sure to check it later, but since i was bored i asked myself if i could check it on my phone. ten minutes later, i was at your blog, reading outloud and watching as your mom and sister are tearing up in the front seat. it was very funny. thanks for english lesson and for the excitement.
from the not so bored man in the back seat
ps i also asked myself if i could post a comment from my phone. the answer is yes but i choose not to capitalize when typing on my phone's keyboard (yes apostrophe...i had to use at least one).
:)
Now about the over used comma...
I loved Meggan's comment about the misuse of there, their, and they're. They are misused a LOT!!!! I love this post and can't wait to hear another grammer one. Why not address "we was" for all the people in SF and Payson? That one drives me up the wall!
I wonder how I have addressed my Christmas cards in the past! Hopefully they have been right but you can bet your bottom dollar they will be this year! ;) By the way, our cards will be out the first of January for the new year. I won't get them done in time for Christmas! Too much to do, too little time...story of my life!
Leah
P.S.Name the band!