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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Use of apostrophe

A book title Buyers' and Sellers' Guide implies that the guide if for buyers (plural) and sellers (plural) however it could equally belong to (written for) a single buyer or seller, so the title Buyer's and Seller's Guide would be equally valid. Personally I think the former looks ugly, and would be inclined to just title it Buyers and Sellers Guide without any apostrophes. I would appreciate an informed answer or opinion. Thanks, Bruce
  

Top answer

There's a subtle difference between the three titles: Buyers' and Sellers' Guide, Buyer's and Seller's Guide, and Buyers and Sellers Guide. Buyers and Sellers Guide looks very stark and univiting. This implies that it is for all buyers and all sellers, a mammoth audience.

  • There's a subtle difference between the three titles: Buyers' and Sellers' Guide, Buyer's and Seller's Guide, and Buyers and Sellers Guide.
  • Buyers and Sellers Guide looks very stark and univiting.
  • This implies that it is for all buyers and all sellers, a mammoth audience.
  • Who would want to buy a book like that?
  • Buyer's and Seller's Guide, by contrast, looks too personal and exclusive.
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2 Answers
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There's a subtle difference between the three titles: Buyers' and Sellers' Guide,

Buyer's and Seller's Guide, and Buyers and Sellers Guide.

Buyers and Sellers Guide looks very stark and univiting. This implies that it is for all buyers and all sellers, a mammoth audience. Who would want to buy a book like that?

Buyer's and Seller's Guide, by contrast, looks too person
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AnonymousBuyers and Sellers Guide looks very stark and univiting. This implies that it is for all buyers and all sellers, a mammoth audience. Who would want to buy a book like that?
Anyone who does business on ebay....

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