The Greengrocers' Apostrophe

The misuse of apostrophes in signs is traditionally called the Greengrocers' Apostrophe from the mistakes that used to be made on market stalls.

Whilst on holiday last week I came across a few signs that would come under this category. Although it's always acceptable for anyone to not to know when or where to use an apostrophe, it shouldn't be used wrongly when used in advertising or for a business (or by educational establishments).

This one made us laugh as we walked past it!


We all know what is intended by the sign but that's not what it says.
The sign, simply, means that you are welcome to bring your dog inside the shop. Dogs (plural) are welcome.

The way that it's written means that you're going to get a welcome that a dog would give you. So expect to be slobbered over ! That's a dog's welcome.

This next one has been done by a sign writer - unforgivable from a professional that must be doing this sort of thing all the time.


We all know that it means that the taxi company belongs to Michael so there should be an apostrophe between the 'l' and the 's'. Not funny like the previous one, just silly.

The next one was advertising a job in a restaurant that was being refitted. They've managed to insert an apostrophe when there shouldn't be one and to make a spelling mistake!



This next one is also unforgivable as it has been professionally made and is there for all to see. Almost any other example of this mistake would easily be acceptable as it's a difficult one, but not by a sign maker. The apostrophe is, simply, in the wrong place.


I must thank the writers for these as it gave us a good laugh as we were trailing along behind our wives as they were indulging in retail therapy.

The examples above don't really matter (apart from the fact that I might stay out of the shop that had the slobbery dog ) but putting an apostrophe in the wrong place can make a big difference to some messages. As this sign, made by a sign writer, demonstrates.

 

By Jove, he's got it!

I don't know what he'd do with the other three.

 

Sorry, I said it's a difficult one! The sign refers to a building for working men (what happens if they are out of work or no longer working? . Are the jobs specified that come under the heading of 'working men'? But I digress. ).

Men is already plural, therefore the possessive apostrophe goes after the plural and before the possessive 's'.

Now, if the word would have been 'Institutes' there would have been a possibility of it being correct if all the institutes referred to would have been inside the same building.

 

Greengrocer's apostrophe


A greengrocer has an apostrophe, although he may not necessarily know what to do with it

 

Congratulations, Harry.

I never take any notice of American spelling .

This forum (or my I.E.) keeps changing 'wellies' to 'willies' .