Apostrophize

Apostrophize refers to the act of using an apostrophe in writing. The apostrophe is a punctuation mark used primarily to indicate either possession or the omission of letters or numbers. The term "apostrophize" can also refer to the act of addressing an absent or imaginary person or an abstract idea in speech or writing, a rhetorical device known as apostrophe.

Usage of Apostrophes

The apostrophe has several uses in English grammar:

Possessive Case

In English, apostrophes are used to show possession. For singular nouns, the apostrophe is followed by an "s" ('s). For plural nouns that already end in "s", only an apostrophe is added after the existing "s". For plural nouns not ending in "s", an apostrophe followed by an "s" is added.

• Example:
  • Singular: The dog's leash
  • Plural: The dogs' leash
  • Plural not ending in "s": The children's toys

Omission of Letters

Apostrophes are used in contractions to indicate omitted letters. This is common in informal writing and dialogue.

• Example:
  • "Do not" becomes "don't"
  • "I am" becomes "I'm"

Omission of Numbers

Apostrophes are also used to indicate the omission of numbers, often in the context of years.

• Example:
  • 1980s abbreviated as '80s

Apostrophe in Rhetoric

In rhetoric, to apostrophize means to address an absent, imaginary, or abstract entity as if it were present and capable of responding. This rhetorical device is often used in literature and speeches to evoke emotion or add emphasis to the addressed subject.

• Example:
  • In William Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar," Mark Antony addresses the slain Caesar in his famous funeral oration: "O pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth."

Common Errors

Misuse of apostrophes is common in English. Errors typically involve using an apostrophe for plurals of nouns, which is incorrect unless the noun is possessive.

• Incorrect:
  • The apple's are ripe. (Incorrect use for plural; correct form: The apples are ripe.)
  • It's leaves are green. (Incorrect use for possessive; correct form: Its leaves are green.)

See Also

• Punctuation
• Grammar
• Rhetoric