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Can of Worms

Posted by Grant Barrett on April 19, 2014 · Add Comment

What do you call a guy with a bald pate? A chrome dome? Maybe the lucky fellow is sporting a solar panel for a sex machine. Also, which would you rather open: a can of worms or Pandora’s box? Plus, ordinary vs. ornery, versing vs. versus, dishwater vs. ditchwater, the copyediting term stet, still hunts, [...]

Possessive for Names Ending With S

Posted by Grant Barrett on October 20, 2012 · Add Comment

Does the possessive “s” go at the end of a proper noun ending in “s”? What’s the possessive of a name like James — James’ or James’s? Either’s correct, depending on your style guide. The AP Stylebook says you just use an apostrophe, but others say to add the “s”. Your best bet is to [...]

A Whole Nother

Posted by Grant Barrett on July 24, 2010 · Add Comment

For the final word on grammar, many writers turn to the Associated Press Stylebook. But if you find that stylebook too stuffy, you’ll love Fake AP Stylebook, the online send-up that features such sage journalistic advice “The plural of apostrophe is ‘apostrophe’s.’” Grant and Martha share some favorite “rules” from that guide. Also this week: [...]

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Can of Worms

Possessive for Names Ending With S

A Whole Nother