Re: Actually...

Posted by Aaron Malchow from AC897CA0.ipt.aol.com on June 21, 2000 at 19:46:10:

In Reply to: Actually... posted by graml on June 20, 2000 at 20:46:06:

As Goodsport pointed out, the correct answer, when showing possession, is "Jones' whip."

The general rule is when a noun does not end in s, add an 's to show possession. But when the noun does end in s, only an apostrophe is added. While some writers do add 's indiscriminately to nouns already ending in s, that practice is seen as archaic.

A great site to look at for answers to grammar questions is:
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/internet-grammar/

Or just ask an English instructor who knows the difference between descriptive grammar and prescriptive grammar to recommend a good descriptive grammar reference book. Descriptive grammar is based upon studying how a language is actually used, whereas prescriptive grammar creates artificial rules (such as split infinitives) for language which usually aren't worth the paper they're printed on. Bah!

I'll go back to lurking now...
Aaron Malchow

Follow Ups:

• Well said... awakened, old grammarian 22:27:57 6/22/2000 (0)

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