Site Meter Fiction Scribe » Blog Archive » Pet Peeve #41 Correction

Pet Peeve #41 Correction

by
pet-peeves.jpg

Alas, I am guilty of one of the high crimes of writing – not adequately researching something before writing about it.

We all make mistakes, yes, but I hate ranting about something that’s untrue.

Pet Peeve #41 wasn’t all wrong, mind you, but I stated something that’s wrong. In some circles. That’s the annoying thing about writing: in a lot of the ‘rules’ of writing, you’ll find two sides to it.

I’m talking about the ’s vs s’s issue.

Since I first started writing, I have always hated the look of s’s so I started using s’ instead. A lot of people do it, but does that mean it’s right? Apparently not, according to one of the higher authorities: Strunk and White

According to Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style, “Form the possessive singular of nouns by adding ’s. Follow this rule whatever the final consonant.”

Lovely.

So what was James’ paint is supposed to be James’s paint. Undoubtedly there will be more wisdom from the book of Strunk and White in the future.


6 Responses to “Pet Peeve #41 Correction”

  1. Nathan Says:

    It’s worth noting that the Strunk & White reference is Page 1, Sentence 1. I was reading the book last week. I’m a fan.

  2. JM Says:

    Very true. It’s funny it’s the first rule and yet it’s one I hate the most. Ha!

  3. Nathan Says:

    I actually like the rule. It’s one I defended against many teachers’ whims. It’s worth noting, however, that s’ is an acceptable possessive when the subject is an ancient historical figure, like Moses’ staff or Jesus’ cross. Not so much with my friend Chris’s piano skills. OK, like Icarus’ wings, I’ve gone too far and am falling flat.

  4. JM Says:

    Yes, but to make the distinction for ancient historical figures… Well, why only them? I think s’ is neater and more aesthetically pleasing.

    It is funny, though, how we can have these kind of discussions and yet both of our choices are acceptable.

  5. Amanda Says:

    I had an argument with a teacher and dozens of writers over this rule. Sometimes it gets to the point where I go, “I know I’m right, so don’t bother. Check the first example in Elements of Style.”

  6. JM Says:

    When all else fails, go to The Elements of Style.

Leave a Reply


About Fiction Scribe

Is your spelling less than stupendous? Has getting published gone from possibility to problem? Are you alienating your readers with alliteration? Here at Fiction Scribe you can find what you need for prompts, publishing opportunities and advice, fun wordplay, and more. Use Fiction Scribe for the encouragement you love, the information you want, and pointing out the mistakes writers make that you need. Fiction Scribe: Your source for everything writing.

Fiction Scribe Author(s)

Blogging Flair

Books & Writing Channel Posts

  • A Book by Any Other Name - God(s)
    Welcome to this week’s A Book By Any Other Name! The game works like this: Each week I will choose a word and offer a few titles that I’ve come up with containing that word in the title. Then [...]
  • Saturday Poll - The New Year
    What are your writing goals for the new year?(online surveys) The funny thing is I'm pre-posting this in July. It's almost scary to be thinking about 2010... [...]
  • A Book by Any Other Name - Sign
    Welcome to this week’s A Book By Any Other Name! The game works like this: Each week I will choose a word and offer a few titles that I’ve come up with containing that word in the title. Then [...]
  • Saturday Poll - Holidays
    How are your holidays going?(poll) [...]
  • A Book by Any Other Name - Need
    Welcome to this week’s A Book By Any Other Name! The game works like this: Each week I will choose a word and offer a few titles that I’ve come up with containing that word in the title. Then [...]
  • Saturday Poll - Music
    Do you listen to music when you write?(polls) [...]
  • A Book by Any Other Name - Promise
    Welcome to this week’s A Book By Any Other Name! The game works like this: Each week I will choose a word and offer a few titles that I’ve come up with containing that word in the title. Then [...]
  • Saturday Poll - Pen Names
    Do you have/plan to have a pen name?(surveys) [...]
  • A Book by Any Other Name - Right
    Welcome to this week’s A Book By Any Other Name! The game works like this: Each week I will choose a word and offer a few titles that I’ve come up with containing that word in the title. Then [...]
  • Saturday Poll - Tis the Season
    Do you write 'seasonal' stories?(polls) [...]

Hot Off The Press