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单词 greengrocer's apostrophe
释义

Definition of greengrocer's apostrophe in English:

greengrocer's apostrophe

(also greengrocers' apostrophe)
noun
British informal

  • An apostrophe placed incorrectly before the final 's' of a plural noun (e.g. a kilo of potato's)

    the Apostrophe Protection Society will have to work vigorously if it is going to have any effect on the greengrocer's apostrophe
    Example sentencesExamples
    • Mallard's examples of rampant apostrophization not surprisingly include the much-maligned greengrocer's apostrophe("fresh apple's").
    • The greengrocer's apostrophe is commonest in handwritten signs and greengrocers are prominent among those who often have to write quick, informal notices for public display.
    • Blog entries lean heavily on the greengrocer's apostrophe, with numerous photographs of offending signs.
    • The greengrocer's apostrophe is most often found on signs outside shops on goods for sale: "Tool's reduced"; in shop windows: "Sales assistant's wanted"; and on public noticeboards, especially in personal advertisements: "Lawn's mowed at competitive rates".
    • This common misuse has been affectionately dubbed "the greengrocer's apostrophe" by specialists in English usage.
    • Why did they select the spelling with the greengrocer's apostrophe?
    • The greengrocers' apostrophe sneaks into everything from apple's to yam's.

Origin

1990s: with allusion to use on handwritten signs advertising produce for sale.

Definition of greengrocer's apostrophe in US English:

greengrocer's apostrophe

(also greengrocers' apostrophe)
noun
British informal

  • An apostrophe placed incorrectly before the final 's' of a plural noun (e.g. a pound of potato's)

    the Apostrophe Protection Society will have to work vigorously if it is going to have any effect on the greengrocer's apostrophe
    Example sentencesExamples
    • This common misuse has been affectionately dubbed "the greengrocer's apostrophe" by specialists in English usage.
    • The greengrocers' apostrophe sneaks into everything from apple's to yam's.
    • Why did they select the spelling with the greengrocer's apostrophe?
    • The greengrocer's apostrophe is most often found on signs outside shops on goods for sale: "Tool's reduced"; in shop windows: "Sales assistant's wanted"; and on public noticeboards, especially in personal advertisements: "Lawn's mowed at competitive rates".
    • The greengrocer's apostrophe is commonest in handwritten signs and greengrocers are prominent among those who often have to write quick, informal notices for public display.
    • Blog entries lean heavily on the greengrocer's apostrophe, with numerous photographs of offending signs.
    • Mallard's examples of rampant apostrophization not surprisingly include the much-maligned greengrocer's apostrophe("fresh apple's").

Origin

1990s: with allusion to use on handwritten signs advertising produce for sale.
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更新时间：2025/6/18 9:36:53