From 4c4b284854fe8b8a32dfd5f4fa24f4165edc285b Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Christian Legge Date: Mon, 3 Jun 2024 17:44:47 -0400 Subject: [PATCH] Expand apostrophe section in writing-policy.md Rewrites the apostrophe section to be more inclusive of when apostrophes are used (and not used) in English. The previous version is worded a little strangely in places and doesn't mention the (in my view) most common error, which is using apostrophes with plurals. I didn't want to change any subjective policy here, but I think, if you want this to be part of the policy, adding a note that contractions should generally be avoided would not be out of place here. That's a pretty common guideline for formal writing. But for the sake of this PR I just wanted to keep it to objective English grammar stuff. Apologies that I've been bugging you with this section lately, with me editing the wiki, then that had to get reverted, then I dm'd the QA team with a now-broken link... This should be the last you hear of it from me! --- docs/guidelines/content/writing-policy.md | 32 ++++++++++++++--------- 1 file changed, 19 insertions(+), 13 deletions(-) diff --git a/docs/guidelines/content/writing-policy.md b/docs/guidelines/content/writing-policy.md index 9e01a546..f5ff0c4e 100644 --- a/docs/guidelines/content/writing-policy.md +++ b/docs/guidelines/content/writing-policy.md @@ -230,19 +230,25 @@ However, more people have an issue with the usage of the unspecific articles, --- -### Possessive/Contraction - -Another common mistake is with words that use an apostrophe, such as "you’re" and "it’s". These are very commonly used in the English language, but removing the apostrophe -changes the entire meaning of the word. Therefore, it is good to check beforehand if you are using it as a possessive form, or as a contraction of multiple words. - -- When you are not using the apostrophe, you are using the word in a possessive form. The word you are describing afterwards belongs to something- or someone. - - - Example 1: Use your sword to defeat the enemy. The sword is in your possession. - - Example 2: The magic book has its pages torn out. The pages belong to the book. - -- When you are using the apostrophe, you are combining two words into one as a contraction. The rule of thumb is always that when you are using an apostrophe, it is not a singular word. Note that it is always allowed (and sometimes even preferred!) to separate the words in writing rather than using them as a contraction. - - Example 1: You’re the hero of this story. It combines the words “you” and “are”. - - Example 2: It’s super effective. It combines the words “it” and “is”. +### Plural/Possessive/Contraction + +Another common mistake is with words that use an apostrophe, such as “you’re” and “it’s”, or plurals. These are very commonly used in the English language, but removing the apostrophe +can change the entire meaning of the word. Therefore, it is good to check beforehand if you are using it as a plural, a possessive form, or as a contraction of multiple words. + +- Words that are *pluralized* (i.e. denoting more than one of something) do not use an apostrophe, and usually end in “s” or “es”. Note that there are [several examples of irregular plurals in English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_plurals#Irregular_plurals). Check a dictionary if you aren't sure! + - Example 1: Destroy 20 boxes in Level 1. (Not “boxs” or “box’s”) + - Example 2: Defeat five mice with flame spells. (Not “mouses” or “mouse’s”, or “spell’s”) + +- Words that are *possessive* (i.e. denoting the owner of something) almost always use an apostrophe, and end in “’s”. **Note:** the possessive “its” is spelled without an apostrophe, with “it’s” being short for “it is”. This is an exception to this rule. + - Example 1: Return the knight’s sword to the castle. (Not “knights”) + - Example 2: Return the sword to its rightful owner. (Not “it’s”) + +- Words that are *both possessive and pluralized* (i.e. denoting multiple owners of something) add an apostrophe to the end if the plural already ends in “s”. + - Example: Sell all of your party members’ equipment for gold. (Not “members” or “member’s”) + +- Words that are *contractions* (i.e. two or more words combined together into one) always use an apostrophe, and the apostrophe usually replaces the omitted letters. + - Example 1: You’re the hero of this story. (It combines the words “you” and “are”) + - Example 2: It’s super effective. (It combines the words “it” and “is”) ---