Dear Colleagues:

I'm revising a chapter in a grammar book (McGraw-Hill Guide to Grammar & Usage) in terms of how the apostrophe is used to form certain plurals.  As you probably know, the style guides (MLA and APA in particular) aren't always in agreement, although most grammar texts prohibit the plural apostrophe in cases where they've tolerated them before.  

The prohibition that most bothers me is with 'words used as words'.  Thus, it seems most grammar books and style guides want us to use"Forget about all the whys and wherefores" rather than "Forget about all the why's and wherefore's".  Seems awkward to me, though my personal opinion doesn't count much.

I'm curious as to whether you agree with this prohibition--or if you  find current reference texts that allow an apostrohe with words used as words?  

Larry Beason

Larry Beason
Associate Professor & Composition Director
Dept. of English, 240 HUMB
Univ. of South Alabama
Mobile AL 36688
(251) 460-7861

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