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Anonymous Posted 18 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?
  

Top answer

I wouldn't. I belong to a writers group. We don't call it writers' group.

  • I wouldn't.
  • I belong to a writers group.
  • We don't call it writers' group.
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4 Answers
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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
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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.

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