Sharon asks, “My boyfriend said I should write ‘allot’ instead of ‘a lot’ but I’m a bit confused – is this correct?”
When to use a lot instead of allot
Author: ApostropheQueen
What’s the right way to use embiggen?
Is it right to say,
“Click the image to embiggen”?
If not, what’s the right way to use embiggen?
ApostropheQueen says: there is no such word!
Scroll down to read how this word was invented on the Simpsons … and please, don’t ever use it in the real world!
Heart Rendering without cement?
Hi Teena,
Like the site, short and snappy, tells me what I want to know with just enough to tell me why it’s the right answer.
One I’ve come across a couple of times recently is the use of ‘heart-rendering’ instead of ‘heart-rending’ with the meaning of invoking deep emotion. Heart-rendering would surely be something done by a butcher!
Thanks again for a great quick reference, invaluable at work.
Paul from New Zealand
Question: “Heart Rendering without cement?”
How do I use WHOSE?
Which of the following example(s) is correct:
- 1. “Whose on the Titanic’s List of Passengers…” (without a question mark); or
- 2. “Whose who on the Titanic’s List of Passengers…” (also without a question mark); or
- 3. “Who’s who on the Titanic’s List of Passengers…” (also without a question mark).
These questions have been bugging me for quite a long time! Thanks.
Do I need apostrophes with family surnames?
Mickey asks: “Hi Teena, When signing a card from The Bernsteins, The Shermans and The Barks, do you use apostrophes?
Also, when displaying an ornament with a surname do you use an apostrophe?
The Bernsteins or the Bernstein’s 2008.
Thank you!!!”
Whose to say / who’s to say?
Ian asks, “Dear Aprostrophe Queen, It’s very important to me that I use apostrophes correctly, but this one has got me twisted and I hope that you can help.
I have been asked a question by email, and my immediate response was that I haven’t a clue, so I was about to shrug with the above response. Seeing it written down for possibly the first time ever sent my mind tumbling.
If I said, ‘Whose to say?’, that would be asking ‘Who has the responsibility to answer?’
If I said, ‘Who’s to say?’ that would be asking ‘Who is going to answer?’.
Which is the normally accepted question behind the phrase, or are they both worthy as a non-committal response? Thank you for any help you can give.
Kind regards, Ian”
Question: Whose to say / who’s to say?
Is it OK to use an apostrophe with a person’s name?
Question: Is it OK to use an apostrophe with a person’s name?
Cade asks if it’s OK to use an apostrophe with names, and I help clarify how to go about this:
- Hi, I’m having a discussion with a friend about whether it’s proper to use an apostrophe to make a contraction in place of the words “is” or “has” when used with a proper noun like a name.
- I feel this is correct, though she does not:
- “Cade’s listening to some music.”
She thinks the rule only applies to words like “he,” “she.”
- That would be: “He’s listening to music.”
Can you tell me whether I’m right or wrong? I believe firmly that I am, but my friend feels just as strongly that she is.
CadeRageous”
Great question Cade!
Hey there Cade — you are correct.
It’s perfectly normal to add an apostrophe s after a person’s first name when implying “is” or “has”, so it looks like you win this challenge :-)
Some examples are:
- Lorraine’s about to go to the store – do you need anything? (Lorraine “is”)
- Beverly’s been to the doctor to have the plaster removed from her wrist. (Beverly “has”)
- David’s a gem! He helped me move into my new apartment. (David “is”)
- Paul’s not too happy about the damage on his car, and Angela’s been very apologetic and has paid for the repairs. (Paul “is”, Angela “has”)
Thanks for dropping by to read “Is it OK to use an apostrophe with a person’s name?” – let me know if you have any questions or tips by :
- leaving a Comment below
- sending me an email on the Contact form
- or popping over to the Facebook page.
Looking forward to hearing from you again soon!
Teena Hughes