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Orson @2320 - apostrophes

I couldn't find the Jesus and Harris examples, but I read elsewhere about a good drill for the possessive apostrophe. It avoids worrying about singulars, plurals and what does or doesn't end in s.

1) Who is the 'owner'/who are the 'owners'?
2) Write down the owner(s).
3) Add an apostrophe.
4) Add an s if you need to (to make it sound right).

I agree therefore with the BBC's Harris's book. For James there are probably two correct options: James' book and James's book, depending on your own speech pattern.

With Jesus I think you can get away with Jesus's preaching and Jesus' preaching, depending on context, but Moses's mother sounds ridiculous so it has to be Moses' mother. Both would probably benefit by avoiding the construction altogether (the preaching of Jesus, the mother of Moses).

However, as demonstrated by the Men's Singles, children's clothes and all the girls' exams, the above drill should work every time.

Tyke

Thanks. Dont worry, you are like 99% of men on the dance floor, in my experience.

Paul

I forgot to say that I agree with you about "whom". I always say e.g. "who are you going with?" but would write "with whom are you going?", which sounds pompous.

Tyke

I was one of the lucky 6,500 at Goodison Park last night, and we got a Mars bar and a bottle of water! Lets hope next season is normal.

Jigjag

I had a feeling you might be one of the lucky ones! Nice easy game at City for you to finish ... we got Richie Wellens back as our new manager - at least he always gives 100% and is well liked, so am looking forward to the new season.

Tyke

Yes very lucky. I was unsuccessful in the original ballot, but a few people did not take up the offer of a ticket, so I was offered one.

I read today that India might request the Old Trafford Test is moved so they can finish off IPL. I have tickets for 2 days so hope this is resisted.

jigjag

I dont see how they can re-arrange it . The first 3 days are sold out - I am going first day. They could cancel the I00 I suppose, which I would approve of.

Good luck v City.

Grunger & Jigjag

Hope the Old Trafford test is not re-arranged - the ECB should be grateful that cricket fans are still supporting test cricket in large numbers. IPL is important purely because of its broadcast revenue but I don`t think world cricket should be disrupted to accommodate it!

Grunger & Jigjag

Good to see a proper game of cricket - Lancs outplayed us throughout so I don`t begrudge you the win. At least we made a fight of it, and we now have a new Duke of York!

A mistake in today's Daily Telegraph quick crossword, I think.

2d Lightning up (12).

Lightning is what goes with thunder. The setter means lightening.

Today's Guardian "Marks & Spenser"! Really?!