Anonymous Posted 19 years ago
Grammar
belonging to a group?
Hi,
I was told to use an apostrophe to show the fact that something like a seminar or conference belongs to a group. Can you tell me how could a person conceptualize in his mind a seminar or a conference belonging to a group of people? ... to me, they just attend the seminar to gain information or requisite knowledge -- they don't usually own it, nor do they have a stake in it financially or in whatever way.
an artists' seminar/conference
If they hold a seminar or conference annually to improve their skills, how should the title be worded -- should it be with an apostrophe or without?
I was told to use an apostrophe to show the fact that something like a seminar or conference belongs to a group. Can you tell me how could a person conceptualize in his mind a seminar or a conference belonging to a group of people? ... to me, they just attend the seminar to gain information or requisite knowledge -- they don't usually own it, nor do they have a stake in it financially or in whatever way.
an artists' seminar/conference
If they hold a seminar or conference annually to improve their skills, how should the title be worded -- should it be with an apostrophe or without?
Top answer
I wouldn't. I belong to a writers group. We don't call it writers' group.
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I wouldn't. I belong to a writers group. We don't call it writers' group.
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All 3 options are available, and an argument can be made for each:
an artist's seminar -- a seminar for any artist
an artists' seminar -- a seminar for all artists
an artist seminar -- a seminar concerned with artists or their interests
(an artists seminar might also appear, but nouns as adjectives are normally singular)
The wise publicist
an artist's seminar -- a seminar for any artist
an artists' seminar -- a seminar for all artists
an artist seminar -- a seminar concerned with artists or their interests
(an artists seminar might also appear, but nouns as adjectives are normally singular)
The wise publicist
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Mister MicawberThe wise publicist chooses the one without the apostrophe, since apostrophes are a pain.Amen!
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I like MM's posting, very useful.
>(an artists seminar might also appear, but nouns as adjectives are normally singular)
I'd use it, it's more inclusive.
>(an artists seminar might also appear, but nouns as adjectives are normally singular)
I'd use it, it's more inclusive.
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