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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar
Apostrophe in essays and scientific texts?
Hi,
Is that true that the use of apostrophes indicating the possessive case is not recomended when writing an academic/ scientific manuscript?
I saw this rule somewhere in an online grammar and ever since this got stuck in my mind.
ANy suggestions?
Thank you!
Is that true that the use of apostrophes indicating the possessive case is not recomended when writing an academic/ scientific manuscript?
I saw this rule somewhere in an online grammar and ever since this got stuck in my mind.
ANy suggestions?
Thank you!
Top answer
I don't think its when used in the possessive (or genitive) case - I think you mean contracted forms. For example, you wouldn't say "it's" or "doesn't". Instead, you would write 'it is' or 'does not'.
- I don't think its when used in the possessive (or genitive) case - I think you mean contracted forms.
- For example, you wouldn't say "it's" or "doesn't".
- Instead, you would write 'it is' or 'does not'.
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6 Answers
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I don't think its when used in the possessive (or genitive) case - I think you mean contracted forms.
For example, you wouldn't say "it's" or "doesn't". Instead, you would write 'it is' or 'does not'.
For example, you wouldn't say "it's" or "doesn't". Instead, you would write 'it is' or 'does not'.
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Anonymousthe use of apostrophes indicating the possessive case is not recomended when writing an academic/ scientific manuscriptI've never heard that, but it makes sense. Can you give an example of a case where you would even want to or need to use possessives in scientific or academic writing (not counting quotations, of course)?
CJ
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Hi Calif,
Here are two examples: (Not sure if they are right, however. I think that the use of definite articles is not quite right here.) Thank you!
Learning experience meaningfulness and the teacher’s importance
The length of the student’s narratives varied from a short statement (2 words) to a complete occurrence description (61 words)
Here are two examples: (Not sure if they are right, however. I think that the use of definite articles is not quite right here.) Thank you!
Learning experience meaningfulness and the teacher’s importance
The length of the student’s narratives varied from a short statement (2 words) to a complete occurrence description (61 words)
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OK. Now I understand what you're saying.
I don't see anything objectionable in the usage you show in those examples. When you are describing an experiment (or similar situation) involving people as subjects of study, you will naturally find a few cases where the use of the possessive is convenient. I see no reason for any awkward circumlocution to avoid it.
If you are still i
I don't see anything objectionable in the usage you show in those examples. When you are describing an experiment (or similar situation) involving people as subjects of study, you will naturally find a few cases where the use of the possessive is convenient. I see no reason for any awkward circumlocution to avoid it.
If you are still i
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As a scientist who writes and publishes, I just want to make clear that the use of the possessive in science writing is pretty much universally frowned upon, with just a few exceptions (see e.g. http://www.scienceeditingexperts.com/use-of-apostrophes-in-scientific-writing). It may se
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