Ask a Question

(Create a thread)
Go Back   Spanish language learning forums > Spanish & English Languages > Grammar


Possessive case

 

This is the place for questions about conjugations, verb tenses, adverbs, adjectives, word order, syntax and other grammar questions for English or Spanish.


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old December 05, 2020, 02:38 AM
Tyrn Tyrn is offline
Pearl
 
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 352
Native Language: Russian
Tyrn is on a distinguished road
Possessive case

Hi,

They have been discussing this particular case for decades, yet I can't remember what is the final agreement

There is a Peacemaker project, for instance.

I'd like to create the Peacemaker Developers Guide. Can I get away with this, or some apostrophe is indispensable?
Reply With Quote
   
Get rid of these ads by registering for a free Tomísimo account.
  #2  
Old December 05, 2020, 10:02 AM
Rusty's Avatar
Rusty Rusty is offline
Señor Speedy
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 11,299
Native Language: American English
Rusty has a spectacular aura aboutRusty has a spectacular aura about
WARNING: Controversial Topic (there's more than one "right" answer)

You'll certainly see 'Developers Guide' used, but prescriptively speaking, this is clearly an example of the genitive case; it's not a possessive because I don't believe the guide belongs to the individual or individuals in question. It may be theirs to keep, but we're talking about the title of your guide, not the guide itself.

The question is where the apostrophe should be placed.

The word 'developer' is not a proper noun, so that saves us from a weightier discussion. (We don't have to debate whether it's "James' car" or "James's car.")

The word 'developer' is a singular noun.
To form its plural we add "s."

To form the genitive, we add "'s" to a singular noun.
For regular plural nouns (like 'developers'), we add only an apostrophe.

So, depending on whether the noun is singular or plural, we either have the genitive "developer's" or "developers'."

I would like to think that you've designed your guide for more than one developer (they don't all have to be in the same room at the same time).
Given that assumption, your title should be "Peacemaker Developers' Guide."
Reply With Quote
Reply

 

Link to this thread
URL: 
HTML Link: 
BB Code: 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Site Rules

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Double possessive wallace Xinfu Grammar 4 July 08, 2015 02:05 PM
Possessive adjective for parts of body arnoldsg72 Grammar 8 November 20, 2014 02:53 PM
Revisit: specific question about possessive vs. definite article laepelba Grammar 13 January 09, 2011 08:59 AM
Articles vs. Possessive Pronoun Adjectives FrannyCakes Grammar 17 November 02, 2009 12:42 AM


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:14 AM.

Forum powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

X