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Is it correct to use an apostrophe in these cases?

  • 21-02-2010 09:28PM
    #1
    **Timbuk2**
    Moderators, Education Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 7,396 Mod ✭✭✭✭


    "In the 1950's" - should there be an apostrophe? Instinct tells me no, but 1950s doesn't read as well.

    "She got four A's in her exams" - again, instinct tells me there shouldn't be an apostrophe, but As doesn't read as well.

    Thanks for the help in advance.


Comments

  • #2
    copacetic
    Subscribers Posts: 16,893 ✭✭✭✭copacetic


    neither of them need apostrophes, plurals never do (I think:)). Its a common error though, called the grocer's apostrohphe.


  • #3
    efb
    Closed Accounts Posts: 35,514 ✭✭✭✭efb


    Yes for numbers, no for letters, (Eats shoots and leaves told me)


  • #4
    Permabear
    Closed Accounts Posts: 39,019 ✭✭✭✭Permabear


    This post has been deleted.


  • #5
    Permabear
    Closed Accounts Posts: 39,019 ✭✭✭✭Permabear


    This post has been deleted.


  • #6
    efb
    Closed Accounts Posts: 35,514 ✭✭✭✭efb


    donegalfella wrote: »
    This post has been deleted.

    Eats Shoots and Leaves lied to me! the second makes sense!, Still using an apostrophe for 50's etc though...


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  • #7
    copacetic
    Subscribers Posts: 16,893 ✭✭✭✭copacetic


    donegalfella wrote: »
    This post has been deleted.

    Ah, but only when there is possible confusion? You could also use them safely I guess with counting zeros, as 0s would look funny.

    In the OP though, A's would not be right anyway as they would be A1s or A2s, therefore not needing the '!

    Personally "A's are very hard to get in honours maths." doesn't scan for me even with the apostrophe. I'd prefer 'A grades' or similar.


  • #8
    Permabear
    Closed Accounts Posts: 39,019 ✭✭✭✭Permabear


    This post has been deleted.


  • #9
    FlutterinBantam
    Closed Accounts Posts: 14,575 ✭✭✭✭FlutterinBantam


    efb wrote: »
    Eats Shoots and Leaves lied to me! the second makes sense!, Still using an apostrophe for 50's etc though...


    page 46 last paragraph isn't lying to you.;)


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