GrammarBlog

Friday 9 May 2008

A single conclusion?

img src="http://www.grammarblog.co.uk/z_images/banners/v2launch.gif" border="0" title="We've moved to www.grammarblog.co.uk" alt="We've moved to www.grammarblog.co.uk" />

Last week I asked a question: how should those silly folks in the Apprentice have punctuated their card? National Single's Day, National Singles' Day or National Singles Day?

 

We had quite a few responses in line with my first reaction, such as this one from Andrew.

Singles', because it's both possessive and plural. I don't see why this is hard!

So it's easy. Or is it? I remembered some confusion similar to this during the writers strike (note the lack of apostrophe). I did see one paper refer to it as the "writers' strike" but most took the view that the act was a strike and the word "writers" described who was striking. We all know that a word describing a noun is an adjective and adjectives are not possessive. No apostrophe.

 

Grammar Girl (whose website is now my primary reference for a sensible and informed opinion on all grammar matters) has this to say.

I believe it's pretty clear that the writers don't own the strike, and that the word writers is there to tell us more about what kind of strike it is. So I'd leave out the apostrophe.

On the other hand, I'd include the apostrophe in homeowners' association, at least when the homeowners actually own or control the association that manages their property.

So the question is, does the day belong to the singles or not?

 

My view is that National Singles Day is a day to celebrate singles, such as Pancake Day is a day to celebrate the pancake.  So no apostrophe is required.

 

There are many examples of possessed days; These are usually singular: Valentine's day, St. George's day, Mother's day (contentious I know, but you've only got one Mum). There are also examples, as pointed out by Binary Tales, of plurals owning a day. These include National Parks' Week World Teachers' Day and International Women's Day.

 

The point here is that the contestants in the apprentice were inventing a new occasion. So they can call it what they choose; National Singles' Day is acceptable. However I prefer National Singles Day, especially in the context of a greetings card, for both logical and aesthetic reasons.

Labels: , ,

47 Comments:
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Damn.

9 May 2008 at 16:51  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree with you. It's like Veterans Day and Presidents Day. The veterans and presidents own the day, it is a day to celebrate them. It is an adjective/modifier. No apostrophe.

10 May 2008 at 04:40  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oops! I meant "don't own the day". I apologize.

10 May 2008 at 04:41  
Blogger JD (The Engine Room) said...

I agree with you, except that you don't usually use a plural modifier even if the concept is plural. For example, 'egg box' contains more than one egg, but we don't say 'eggs box'.

So to say it must be 'singles day' (plural) because there is more than one single person doesn't follow.

And I think a writers' strike does belong to the writers. If it isn't their strike, whose is it? But I can see the argument either way...

12 May 2008 at 14:28  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I like Nike Coupons only for buying comfortable shoes.
Timmy

17 September 2009 at 07:16  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

There are also other lacks

10 December 2009 at 20:52  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Opulently I agree but I dream the collection should acquire more info then it has.

28 December 2009 at 14:29  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Again a fair post. Thanks your also pen-friend

31 December 2009 at 06:00  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I will not concur on it. I think polite post. Specially the title-deed attracted me to be familiar with the whole story.

13 January 2010 at 17:39  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Nice fill someone in on and this fill someone in on helped me alot in my college assignement. Gratefulness you on your information.

17 January 2010 at 15:28  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

panelists smart face homepage reconcile scorm assumption talkadi casesthe stray discourage
servimundos melifermuly

25 January 2010 at 14:12  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

liquidated aggrawalmba stabilise issuing hawaii shaw abandon settingthe uecja interact thirty
servimundos melifermuly

27 January 2010 at 03:04  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Genial brief and this fill someone in on helped me alot in my college assignement. Thanks you as your information.

2 February 2010 at 04:58  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Easily I to but I about the collection should secure more info then it has.

7 February 2010 at 17:59  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good brief and this post helped me alot in my college assignement. Thank you seeking your information.

13 February 2010 at 21:24  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

hi there dudes. I'm actually into shoes and I had been looking allowing for regarding that singular make. The prices seeking the boots are around 180 bucks on every site. But for all I base this locate selling them for half price. I exceptionally like these [url=http://www.shoesempire.com]prada sneakers[/url]. I will definetly buy those. what can you say about it?

24 February 2010 at 14:37  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello. And Bye.

1 March 2010 at 23:19  
Anonymous Wholesale hip hop clothing said...

I did see one paper refer to it as the "writers' strike" but most took the view that the act was a strike and the word "writers" described who was striking.

3 March 2010 at 17:21  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

good evening people. I'm actually into shoes and I had been searching for the sake of that meticulous make. The prices for the sneakers are around 190 bucks everwhere. But for all I set this area selling them for the benefit of half price. I absolutely like these [url=http://www.shoesempire.com]gucci sneakers[/url]. I will definetly buy these. what is your opinion?

15 March 2010 at 15:58  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

hi there ppl. I'm actually into shoes and I have been digging as far as something that particular brand. The prices as regards the boots are around 250 bucks everwhere. But completely I set this locate selling them someone is concerned half price. I in reality want these [url=http://www.shoesempire.com]gucci sneakers[/url]. I will absolutely buy those. what do you think?

15 March 2010 at 16:42  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

hi there fellas. I'm honestly into shoes and I have been looking as far as something that singular brand. The prices due to the fact that the sneakers were around 200 pounds on every site. But definitively I bring about this area selling them as a remedy for half price. I in reality like these [url=http://www.shoesempire.com]gucci sneakers[/url]. I will probably order those. what do you think?

15 March 2010 at 20:00  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was looking for Men SUITS and was wondering if Elizabeth and James is the best designer for Men SUITS?

20 March 2010 at 02:56  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

i truthfully adore all your writing style, very attractive,
don't give up as well as keep posting considering it simply just well worth to look through it,
looking forward to browse through more and more of your current web content, kind regards :)

21 March 2010 at 02:49  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well done is richer reconsider than well said.

11 May 2010 at 16:47  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lovingly done is richer reconsider than spectacularly said.

11 May 2010 at 20:34  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well done is better than well said.

12 May 2010 at 00:29  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Splendidly done is richer reconsider than spectacularly said.

12 May 2010 at 04:33  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Artistically done is well-advised b wealthier than well said.

12 May 2010 at 08:44  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

A human beings who dares to decay everyone hour of one of these days has not discovered the value of life.

[url=http://www.brianmadden.com/members/amybrooks/default.aspx]Linda[/url]


Jenna

16 May 2010 at 09:47  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To be a adroit lenient being is to procure a kind of openness to the world, an skill to group uncertain things beyond your own pilot, that can govern you to be shattered in uncommonly exceptionally circumstances pro which you were not to blame. That says something remarkably important thither the condition of the honest life: that it is based on a trustworthiness in the uncertain and on a willingness to be exposed; it's based on being more like a plant than like a treasure, something rather feeble, but whose mere particular handsomeness is inseparable from that fragility.

23 June 2010 at 11:20  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Exercise ferments the humors, casts them into their right channels, throws off redundancies, and helps species in those confidential distributions, without which the association cannot subsist in its vigor, nor the soul dissimulate with cheerfulness.

5 July 2010 at 11:33  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

free software registry cleaner , just wanted to say that Registry Cleaner Info sites is realy good and I'm happy that i found it
I've gotten exposed to quite a lot of computer stuff here and just wanted to give my 7 cents. Im about to write a great article for this forum about
free software registry cleaner , [url=http://www.registry1000.com/2010/05/05/freeware-registry-cleaner-%e2%80%93-what-to-look-for/]free software registry cleaner[/url] and I'll publish it as soon as i done it.
ahtvniwxnjnjnjnnjaw
free software registry cleaner
Thank you

18 August 2010 at 11:38  
Anonymous eco lodge said...

Hi buddy, firstly I would like to send greetings to all readers then I think that this information is amazing and very entertainment information, I was looking information about A single conclusion?, and this information is very professional and I would like to have any update about, thanks for sharing!!

14 September 2010 at 01:06  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, may all your wishes come true!

15 December 2010 at 06:05  
Anonymous wholesale fashion said...

I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I really loved reading your blog.

20 December 2010 at 07:55  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congratulations. Really happy with the caliber of the content provided. I have high hopes that you continue with the wonderful work conducted.
miami locksmiths
Norwalk Locksmiths
South San Francisco locksmith
Locksmith Newark
Locksmith Santa Clara CA
Locksmith Milpitas CA
mesquite locksmiths
locksmith plano texas
locksmith aventura
pembroke pines fl locksmith
fort worth locksmith
mesquite locksmith
locksmith hialeah
locksmith in hialeah
locksmith plano texas
plano locksmiths
locksmith irvine ca
plano locksmiths
pembroke pines locksmith
locksmith pembroke pines
plano locksmiths
Locksmith Mesquite tx
Hialeah FL Locksmith
locksmith irvine fl
locksmith fort worth
miami fl locksmith
Locksmith Memphis TN
Memphis Locksmiths
Locksmith Washington DC
Locksmith Memphis
Memphis TN Locksmith

28 March 2011 at 10:12  
Anonymous Handwriting analysis said...

Thank you for this great information, you write very well which i like very much. I am really impressed by your post.

31 May 2011 at 17:13  
Blogger abercrombiefitch said...

A refined sneaker perfect for warmer weather activities, and the Mid, a fresh take on the higher,
Nike Air Max Shoes
Nike Air Max 2011
Nike Air Max
Nike Air Max Goadome
Nike Air Max Fitsole
Nike Air Max Zenyth
Nike Air Max Boots
Nike Air Max Zoom Kobe
Nike Air Max Tn
Nike Air Max LTD
Nike Air Max Presto
Nike Air Max BW
Nike Air Max 24 7
Nike Air Max 2010
Nike Air Max 2011
Abercrombie and Fitch London
Abercrombie & Fitch Clothes
Vibram Shoes
Cheap Air Max
Nike Air Max Shoes
Nike Air Max 2009
Nike Air Max 95
Nike Air Max 91
Nike Air Max 87
Nike Air Max 180
Nike Air Max Griffey Max 1
Nike Air Max 90
Nike Air Max 1
Nike Air Max Wildwood Supreme
Nike Air Max Turbulence
Nike Air Max Skyline
The first difference you’ll notice on this design from the original Clyde is the removal.
Vibrams Shoes

16 June 2011 at 02:22  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lek pobudza [url=http://www.onelifefestival.pl/2011/01/perfumeria-kokai/]Perfumeria[/url] zredukowanie asymilowania podwaliny tluszczowych dziêki ludzki organizm. To doskonale nowy farmaceutyk dla dziewek, jakie reflektuj¹ odchudziæ siê oraz odbyæ na przewy¿szaj¹cy pr¹d posi³ków. Specyfik ów powywraca powiêkszyæ skutecznoœæ odchudzania o 45 % w zestwieniu spoœród przeznaczeniem [url=http://www.perfumeria.atm.pl]Perfumeria[/url] tylko diety oraz æwiczeñ fizycznych. Lekarstwo ów kupisz w aptece internetowej. Inwitujemy a¿ do skutecznej online taniej apteki internetowej po koncentraty zaœ po dane o œrodkach. Gór wskutek tego alli Przekazujemy tymi¿ krain¹ wyp³atê farmaceutyków natomiast owszem krain¹ satysfakcjê zwiedzaj¹cych stronê. Apteka internetowa jest niejak¹ spoœród siedmiu w najwy¿szym stopniu swoistych zaœ wybitnych siê portali zapewniaj¹cych zaopatrywanie realizatorów farmacetycznych.Musimy przedstawiæ teraz trójka typy prepratów. Polska apteka o jakiej piszemy dzia³a w procedura niezawodny natomiast poleca [url=http://www.artykulandia.pl/Perfumeria-internetowa-a10.html]Perfumeria internetowa[/url] wyci¹gi w cugu skoro tylko jakiegoœ dnia od chwili momentu opracowania twojego zapotrzebowania. W³aœnie z owego dociera cudowne [url=http://www.perfumeria.rel.pl]Perfumeria[/url] diagnozy pacjentów. Na rzadki brzuszekJest bez liku aneksów diety na wyszczuplenie. Do dok³adnych przylegaj¹ te zawieraj¹ce w magazynie l-karnitynê, jakkolwiek rzeczwiœcie sprawdzonym a zaœ udowodnionym postêpowaniem mo¿e zaaprobowaæ siê tylko alli posiadaj¹cy tzw.orlistat.Sposób od¿ywiania siê jednak oraz praktyka fizyczne w pokaŸnym szczeblu kwalifikuj¹ o dobrym spêdzeniu [url=http://www.hotelmorskieoko.pl/uroda-i-zdrowie/perfumy/perfumeria.html]Perfumeria internetowa[/url] wagi.Na menopauzêMenopauza jest nieraz, podczas gdy krwawienie zaprzestaje, i jajniki nieodwo³alnie przestaj¹ wywo³ywaæ jajeczka. Na menopazuê czynne s¹ takie preparaty kiedy diohespan max, diosminex obejmuj¹ce diosminê. Okres menopauzy aczkolwiek nie mieœci w celu gêby pieknej zguby zaœ nale¿y z ni¹ siê zmierzyæ.

12 August 2011 at 19:51  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Its my elementary time to transmit on this forum,well-founded wannat make some friends here.if its not allowed to advise on this panel,gladden cross out this thread.Nice to adjoin you!

---------------------------------------------------------------
[url=http://www.sexybags.info/rssrock.html]My designer handabgs[/url]

28 November 2012 at 13:23  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

rL1P2g http://bootsoutletonline.webs.com/ kL3E7p [url=http://bootsoutletonline.webs.com/]uggs outlet online[/url] oC8A7w ugg outlet online oM3N3f
gI9F5h http://bootssaleonline.jouwweb.nl gL9J8i [url=http://bootssaleonline.jouwweb.nl]uggs kopen[/url] jW4Q4v uggs kopen tM1S6p
gK0M4t http://sacsspaschers.info aV0S9t [url=http://sacsspaschers.info]sac longchamp pas cher[/url] iS4S0z sac longchamp pas cher|sacs longchamps|longchamps sac} vK2P0o
aX0Y8f http://www.saclongchampsmall.com xP5R5z [url=http://www.saclongchampsmall.com]sac longchamp solde[/url] lE3Y1l longchamp pas cher gY6H0n
fT7D4l http://bootfactoryoutlet.webs.com vA3T1o [url=http://bootfactoryoutlet.webs.com]ugg australia outlet[/url] dN8O3v ugg australia outlet pN2G2n
pV7X3j http://bootsaustraliaoutlet.webs.com/ lF0F5q [url=http://bootsaustraliaoutlet.webs.com/]ugg outlet[/url] tC0C6t ugg australia outlet zA8I8p

9 February 2013 at 22:01  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

nQ2D6e http://bootssaleonline.jouwweb.nl dZ9E5y [url=http://bootssaleonline.jouwweb.nl]uggs classic short[/url] eM3N1h uggs kopen sO8O4h
vB5P3q http://bootsaustraliaoutlet.webs.com/ pW3M7i [url=http://bootsaustraliaoutlet.webs.com/]ugg outlet store[/url] fQ9F6t ugg outlet vB6E3r
bS6Q3a http://sacsspaschers.info eH5Q0q [url=http://sacsspaschers.info]longchamps sac[/url] qA1I9y sac longchamp pas cher|sacs longchamps|longchamps sac} yB1F6l
sX1O0i http://bootfactoryoutlet.webs.com eL0J5t [url=http://bootfactoryoutlet.webs.com]uggs factory outlet[/url] gA7N2a cheap ugg online zK6A7u
bL7N9r http://www.saclongchampsmall.com kA5U2i [url=http://www.saclongchampsmall.com]longchamp pas cher[/url] eJ1G0k sac longchamp iM5P5l
hM4G1y http://bootsoutletonline.webs.com/ yS4N1o [url=http://bootsoutletonline.webs.com/]ugg outlet online[/url] sI0R6m uggs outlet online sC1B0w

9 February 2013 at 23:55  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

jR4A4x http://www.soldesssaclongchampfr.info bI4E1b [url=http://www.soldesssaclongchampfr.info]sac longchamps pas cher[/url] xZ7H9s sac longchamp pas cher tW5A7r
yX8D1i http://www.longchamppascherer.com vP8T4o [url=http://www.longchamppascherer.com/]sac longchamp[/url] iP7M3l sac longchamp vX6C5w
aV8D7a http://sacsspaschers.info dR4F5s [url=http://sacsspaschers.info]longchamps sac[/url] zS6X6u sacs longchamps vZ9U2t
dY9S6z http://saclongchampshop.webnode.fr dP1O5k [url=http://saclongchampshop.webnode.fr]sac longchamps pas cher[/url] eP3U1j longchamps pas cher qU5W7m
gH9L6q http://longchampssacsale.webnode.fr yC6X1g [url=http://longchampssacsale.webnode.fr]sac longchamp[/url] kV0O1o sac longchamp yO1M8g
tV1H5w http://soldesbottesfr.com nG0O2u [url=http://soldesbottesfr.com]bottes ugg[/url] lM5V7q botte ugg gW2R2l

23 February 2013 at 22:40  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

[url=http://isabellemarrant.webnode.fr/]robe isabelle marant[/url]|[url=]manteau isabelle marant[/url]|[url=]isabel marant shoes[/url]

http://isabellemarant.weebly.com/
http://isabellemarrant.snappages.com
http://isabellemarant.yolasite.com/bottes-isabel-marant.php

1 March 2013 at 10:52  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

kE0G4f http://www.lvsaconline.monwebeden.fr bB0S6f sacs louis vuitton sN0Z3j [url=http://www.lvsaconline.monwebeden.fr]louis vuitton paris[/url]
sZ3M3v http://buyhandbagnet.webnode.fr zK7W9f sacs louis vuitton sJ3M9n [url=http://buyhandbagnet.webnode.fr]sac louis vuitton[/url]
fU6E7d http://www.lvbagsoutlet2013.com pT6K2k cheap louis vuitton bags qK8T2l [url=http://www.lvbagsoutlet2013.com]louis vuitton handbags[/url]
rM8F5l http://purseshops.webnode.com yU2N8k louis vuitton purses tK5G1n [url=http://purseshops.webnode.com]louis vuitton outlet store[/url] dR4U5p
iN4T8w http://www.francesaclouisvuittonn.info yO1P9v louis vuitton sac vO6N7p [url=http://www.francesaclouisvuittonn.info]louis vuitton pas cher[/url]
bA9G8p http://www.outletlvhandbagsus.info cI5R3z louis vuitton outlet lO7N5q [url=http://www.outletlvhandbagsus.info]louis vuitton bags[/url]

5 March 2013 at 15:19  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ml3Fl8
[url=http://isabelsneakerus.evenweb.com/sections/sac-longchamps-en-ligne]sac pliable longchamps[/url]
[url=http://kingyunujj.blinkweb.com]isabel marant fashion[/url]
[url=http://isabelmarant.dinstudio.com/0/8/isabel-marant-boutique-en-ligne/]isabelle marant shoes[/url]

Wd3Rt5Yu3Tg9
http://www.ussneakershop.350.com/shop_isabel_marant.htm
http://www.ussneakershop.350.com/Isabel_marant_shop_online.htm
http://buyusneaker.webnode.com/longchamp-sac-vente-en-ligne

11 March 2013 at 15:07  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

can you buy tramadol online buy tramadol texas - where to order tramadol online

19 March 2013 at 16:18  

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

Subscribe to Posts [Atom]

GrammarBlog Shorts


It's not just you

Pictures

www.flickr.com
photos in Grammar Bloopers More photos in Grammar Bloopers

Powered by FeedBurner

Observational Humor Blogs - BlogCatalog Blog Directory

Add to Technorati Favorites

Join My Community at MyBloglog!

British Blog Directory.

blogarama - the blog directory

Blog Directory - Blogged