The Apostrophe

Pity the poor apostrophe.  Can anything be smaller or more misunderstood?  Yet, used properly, it makes writing clear.  Here are a couple of things to think about. 

Dates:  Many times we abbreviate decades and use just the last two figures.  If so, we do need the apostrophe.  But many people either leave the apostrophe out or put it in the wrong place.  If we can remember that the apostrophe takes the place of something that’s missing, its placement should be easier. 

For example:  “Back in the (60’s, 60s, ‘60s), I was a wild and crazy girl.”   

Which one?   

If you think the first -- sorry.  There’s no reason for that apostrophe at all.  The newest thinking (about 20 years’ worth) suggests no apostrophe is needed in plurals of letters and figures.  More on this below. 

If you think the second -- well, for either weather or age reports, that’s fine.  “It was in the high 60s in Florida.”  “She’s in her early 60s.”  But it’s not correct for abbreviating decades.

The third version is right because the figures 19 are missing; the apostrophe takes their place.  Simple, no?  The same system works in regular abbreviations:  you are = you’re, because the letter a is missing; it’s = it is, etc. 

If you knew it was the third one -- pat yourself on the back!  Either you hang out with English teachers, or you’re up to date on your grammar rules because you own and read The Gregg Reference Manual (or a similar excellent grammar text).  

Plurals of letters or figures:  As mentioned above, there is no particular reason to use an apostrophe in plurals of letters and figures -- unless (there’s always an unless) you’d confuse your reader by leaving it out.

For example: 

• HMOs are growing larger and larger.

• All the CPAs work really hard in March and April!

• How many ATMs are in this building?

• She scored all 10s on her routine!

Old thinking included the apostrophe; new thinking does not.

Notice two things:  The letters of the “words” are capitalized; the s is not.  If you also capitalize the s, it’s tough to read.  “HMOS are growing . . .”  “CPAS work really hard . . .”  “How many ATMS . . .”  See the difference?

Now, about not confusing your reader:  Small-letter abbreviations such as c.o.d. need apostrophes in the plural form.  Otherwise, they’re tough to understand quickly.

• She was working on a huge stack of c.o.d.’s when I left.

• She was wearing her new pj’s this morning.

• He brought home all A’s on his report card.

Always help your reader!

The apostrophe is also used in possessives; for a refresher, click here.