Apostrophes: The Confusing Marks and Their Impact on Modern Communication

Apostrophes are a fundamental part of the English language, yet they often cause confusion and misuse among individuals and even in professional contexts. The complexity and evolving nature of their usage can lead to a range of errors, from subtle typographical omissions to glaring grammatical blunders. In this article, we delve into the reasons behind the widespread confusion surrounding apostrophes and explore potential solutions to address this ongoing issue.

The Complexity of Apostrophe Usage

The use of apostrophes is inherently complicated and can be challenging to master. This complexity arises from the lack of clarity in rules and exceptions, making it difficult for learners and native speakers alike. The term 'possessive' as usually given to the apostrophe is quite misleading, as it does little to convey its actual function in different contexts (i.e., indicating possession or forming contractions).

The Invention of Smart Quotes

The introduction of 'smart quotes' in Microsoft Word and similar applications has compounded the confusion. These 'smart quotes' often translate into curly quotes instead of the traditional straight quotes, a feature designed to enhance aesthetics but often resulting in improper formatting. The default settings in these programs are to automatically use smart quotes, even when typing is intended, not typesetting. This can lead to significant issues, especially in professional settings where correct punctuation is crucial.

Examples of Apostrophe Misuse

One common example of apostrophe misuse is the proliferation of single-open-quotation marks that look like a '6', often used in place of apostrophes when omitting characters. For instance, the year '1980' is often abbreviated as '80', but for words like 'UNTIL', it may be abbreviated as 'TIL'. While professional designers and typesetters understand the difference, frequent use of these shortcuts in national advertising, newspapers, magazines, and television can lead to widespread confusion and misunderstanding.

The Two Major Problems with Apostrophe Usage

The misuse and confusion around apostrophes can be attributed primarily to two main problems:

The Missing Letter Problem

The first problem stems from the misconception that an apostrophe is necessary to form the plural of a word, particularly when the plural form is not immediately obvious. An example of this is the product 'plastic Jesus'. When writing about stores selling such items, one might be tempted to add an 's' to form 'Jesusss', which is incorrect. The correct approach is to use plural forms as they are, such as 'plastic Jésus' if the accented form is preferred, or simply 'plastic Jesuses' if it makes sense in the context. The issue arises when one is unsure about the proper plural form of a specific word.

The Possessive with Words Ending in 's'

The second major problem is using apostrophes to create the possessive form of words ending in 's'. This misuse can legitimize the 'missing letter problem', as seen in phrases like 'Jesus's' instead of 'Jesus' or 'Jesus’. This has led to the infamous 'Green Grocer apostrophe', a term used to describe incorrect possessive forms in advertisements or signage. For example, the decade might be written as 'The 1980s' or 'The '80s', and a person might be described as a '1980’s high school graduate' or '1980’s graduate'.

Potential Solutions to Apostrophe Confusion

To address the ongoing confusion around apostrophes, several potential solutions can be explored:

Education and Awareness: Educating the public, particularly young individuals, about the proper use of apostrophes can go a long way in reducing misuse. Schools and educational programs can play a crucial role in fostering a better understanding of English grammar. Software Settings: Modifying software settings to provide easier access to correct punctuation, such as defaulting to straight quotes over smart quotes, can help prevent automatic incorrect formatting. Users can then customize their preferences to suit their needs. Professional Guidance: Encouraging the use of professional proofreaders and editors, especially in corporate and marketing contexts, can help maintain proper usage of apostrophes.

In conclusion, the confusion surrounding apostrophes is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to solve. By understanding the underlying problems and actively working to address them, we can improve the clarity and accuracy of written communication in the English language.