An introduction to the mechanics entries

Hello!

I've decided to write a section of the blog about mechanics, which in my trade just means issues of grammar and punctuation. I'll be using this section to highlight items that are often misunderstood or misused, either in the world at large or in academic work generally. These entries will be pretty light and fluffy, so do have a read even if you aren't particularly interested in grammar. I did want to call it "fun facts about grammar", but that seemed a little oxymoronic, even for an enthusiast. (Yep.)

The next three entries will be about the possessive case, and these are headed "The Contractive Possessive Apostrophe" (Parts 1, 2, and 3). Read on below the image for a short intro about the possessive case.

The Contractive Possessive Apostrophe: Introduction

Many people tell me (usually with a shudder) that they don’t understand possessive apostrophes. I heard Stephen Fry say in an episode of QI that possessive apostrophes should be discarded from English grammar on account of them having been so poorly taught. As I have mentioned elsewhere, however, in some cases, including them may be about common decency, such as in the simple remark,

"We borrowed Anu's bike."

I agree about them not being well taught, though, particularly in certain schooling time periods. (Mine is a good example, but the forces of pedagogy are as susceptible to trend as everything else and the education system's enthusiasm for grammar and other things does wax and wane—I do, however, believe children's enthusiasm remains fairly similar throughout these periods.)

I think what’s been missing for many learners on the topic of the possessive case, and possessive apostrophes specifically, is the connection between possessive cases and another use of the apostrophe in grammar that is far better known. Thus, I’ve dedicated the next three Mechanics entries of the Mechanics section of the Blog to creating the links you need to master the possessive case (or, rather, highlighting that you already have the links, because you do).

Have a beautiful day!