Does Veterans Have an Apostrophe?
Introduction
The use of apostrophes in the English language can often lead to confusion and disputes, especially when it comes to plural nouns. In this article, we will examine the question of whether "veterans" should have an apostrophe and provide a direct answer. We will also discuss the history and rules governing the use of apostrophes in plural nouns.
Direct Answer: Does Veterans Have an Apostrophe?
No, the answer is no. According to the rules of the English language, "veterans" is a plural noun that does not require an apostrophe to indicate possession. This means that "veterans’ benefits" is written as one word, with the possessive form shown through the addition of an "-s" to the plural form of the word "veteran".
History of Apostrophe Usage
The use of apostrophes in English dates back to the Old English period, when they were used to indicate possessive forms. Over time, the use of apostrophes evolved to indicate both possessive and plural forms. However, it wasn’t until the 16th century that the use of apostrophes for plural forms became more widespread.
Rules for Using Apostrophes in Plural Nouns
Single vs. Plural Apostrophe
There are two main rules to remember when using apostrophes in plural nouns:
- Single apostrophe for possessive forms: If a word is modified to indicate possession, use an apostrophe to show ownership. For example:
- The student’s book
- The company’s profits
- No apostrophe for plural forms: If a word is changed to indicate multiple items or individuals, do not use an apostrophe. For example:
- Men
- Women
- Children
Common Exceptions
There are some exceptions to the rules mentioned above:
- Decades and centuries: These words require an apostrophe to indicate the possessive form. For example:
- 1990’s
- The 19th century
- Words ending in -s: If a word ending in -s becomes plural, it remains unchanged. For example:
- The bus goes
- The scissors cut
Table of Common Plural Nouns Without Apostrophes
Here is a table of common plural nouns that do not require an apostrophe:
| Plural Noun | Without Apostrophe | With Apostrophe (Error) |
|---|---|---|
| Men | Men | Men’s |
| Women | Women | Women’s |
| Children | Children | Children’s |
| Friends | Friends | Friends’ |
| Veterans | Veterans | Veterans’ (Error) |
Conclusion
In conclusion, "veterans" is a plural noun that does not require an apostrophe to indicate possession. The rules of the English language specify that apostrophes should only be used to show ownership or possession, while plural forms do not need apostrophes. This is reflected in the table of common plural nouns without apostrophes, which highlights the correct and incorrect usage of apostrophes in plural nouns. By following these rules and understanding the history and rules of apostrophe usage, writers and speakers can use apostrophes correctly to communicate effectively.
