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Mr. Tom Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Gents washroom
Hi
Could you please tell me which of the following is correct? I have seen both versions.
Gents washroom
Gents' washroom
...and the same for:
Boys washroom
Boys' washroom
Thanks,
Tom
Could you please tell me which of the following is correct? I have seen both versions.
Gents washroom
Gents' washroom
...and the same for:
Boys washroom
Boys' washroom
Thanks,
Tom
Top answer
You will find strong (and sometimes uncivil) opinions on this, both ways. I simply prefer it without the apostrophe, thinking that the washroom doesn't belong to the gents or to the boys, but rather is for their use . The same argument comes up with a sports team: are you going to the Yankees game tonight?
- You will find strong (and sometimes uncivil) opinions on this, both ways.
- I simply prefer it without the apostrophe, thinking that the washroom doesn't belong to the gents or to the boys, but rather is for their use .
- The same argument comes up with a sports team: are you going to the Yankees game tonight?
- Do they actually own the game, making an apostrophe necessary?
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5 Answers
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You will find strong (and sometimes uncivil) opinions on this, both ways.
I simply prefer it without the apostrophe, thinking that the washroom doesn't belong to the gents or to the boys, but rather is for their use.
The same argument comes up with a sports team: are you going to the Yankees game tonight? Do they actually own the game, making an apo
I simply prefer it without the apostrophe, thinking that the washroom doesn't belong to the gents or to the boys, but rather is for their use.
The same argument comes up with a sports team: are you going to the Yankees game tonight? Do they actually own the game, making an apo
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Also, notwithstanding the grammatical arguments, some typographers feel that apostrophes look fussy on signage, advertising materials, etc., so they may omit them even if they think they are technically justified.
If the signage is homemade, or made by a local smalltown signmaker, then the omission of the apostrophe may not be a conscious decision. (In other words, the maker may have no
If the signage is homemade, or made by a local smalltown signmaker, then the omission of the apostrophe may not be a conscious decision. (In other words, the maker may have no
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Hello
On a similar note....On a pricelist for a barber for example should it be gents' haircut or gent's haircut? I have even seen it written as gents haircut.
I would welcome your comments.
Thank you
On a similar note....On a pricelist for a barber for example should it be gents' haircut or gent's haircut? I have even seen it written as gents haircut.
I would welcome your comments.
Thank you
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AnonymousOn a similar note..On a pricelist for a barber for example should it be gents' haircut or gent's haircut? I have even seen it written as gents haircut.In this context "gents' haircut" seems better to me. "gents haircut" is wrong (this may be more obvious when you consider the analogous "men haircut").
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