Why do we still have so many apostrophes in English?

[Boliviabae]

It takes so much longer to type anything on the phone.

Apostrophe's were originally in place to show two words shortened into one. But the shortened versions of the words have been in the English langauge for so long now, why do we need the apostrophes.

The word 'Dont' for example, is easily understandable, without an apostrophe.

How many different languages do you speak? I speak four (including English), three of which frequently use apostrophes for elision (running two words together).

There are words that should have an apostrophe that generally don't as the language now has evolved, words like 'phone. I'm sure it will happen with others in time.

I speak three. The other languages that I speak definitelty dont have as many apostrophes as English does.

Which languages are they out of interest?

Tru dat
idk y we hv to rite propa
langwij evolvs yor so rite op it takes 2 long 2 typ

The irony that you have used an inappropriate apostrophe is immense, OP

Languages do evolve but, as a bit of a pedant myself, that is the only thing I agree with you on.

Apostrophes show contraction or possession and add clarity and precision to sentences. Punctuation is important because of this. Worst case scenario, a misplaced punctuation mark in a military order could alter the fate of a battle, for example. The apostrophe is less important in this regard but 'im' would surely be pronounced differently to 'I'm'. It does take a bit longer to get things correct (and everyone makes typos) but imo, it's worth it. Just try reading James Joyces' Ulysses in which he experimented by using no punctuation. Absolute nightmare!.Dropping the apostrophe would be a slippery slope. Lol.

To me, accuracy is important but code-switching is also part of linguistic behaviour so some people.may pay less attention to using Standard English on social media, for example and, to me, that is fine, as long as they are intelligible - and know how to use it ideally in other contexts..

By ur lgc we cld ms-ot lts of chrs and stll be abl to undrstnd a sntnc.

Using correct grammar and spelling is crucial for clear and effective communication, enhancing professionalism and credibility. It ensures the message is easily understood and avoids misinterpretations, making the communication more effective and impactful.

I think you set the tone of the thread early on.

Maybe spend some time reading back your responses. They are reading as very unkind.

People were merely responding to your language and tone. You have been insulting and aggressive. I am not sure what you expect. Is this the way you are generally in your life and towards other people?

No it's not at all.

Only to pathetic people.

Especially as I've spelled it correctly in my thread title.

I have seen lots of grammar and spelling mistakes in other people's posts on here.

Of course you would blame me though. You are one of the bullies. So predictable.

No it wasn't my fault.

I stood up for myself after being attacked.

Yes I always stand up to bullies.

When I saw a poster write "people with bad grammar have low intelligence".

I pointed out to her that it's absolutely disgusting and wrong.

People with dyslexia can have really bad grammar and have extremely high intelligence, for example

I'm not sure you're really representing dyslexia accurately here - it's a processing disorder which can lead to errors in spelling and, less commonly, punctuation. This doesn't mean that dyslexic people "have really bad grammar".

I studied middle English as part of my degree in English and was taught this by Tolkien’s son, Christopher…

OP doesn’t seem particularly interested in understanding the actual meaning and use of apostrophes, though, as she’s ignored my comment…. But, no doubt, I am considered a ‘cow’ as a result.

I love an apos'trophe

It's a processing disorder that leads to errors in spelling AND grammar.

Do you know anyone with Dyslexia? You din't sound like you do.

One of my best friend's has dyslexia. She often gets grammar and sentence structure wrong. She is still highly intelligent.

No only the abusers who have callled me stupid, and who have called anyone that has poor grammar and spelling "stupid" are the cows.

Some disgusting people on this thread.

I mean this post is just disgusting.

I also know some-one who suffered a small stroke. This affected her use of spelling and grammar.

Accordig to this post, the person who suffered a stroke has low intelligence

If you run into an asshole in the morning, you ran into an asshole. If you run into assholes all day, you're the asshole.

Part of my work is actually supporting people with SpLDs. So - yes, I do. My dad and one of my sisters is also dyslexic, I've worked with dyslexic people too.

I think OP just enjoys a fight 😀

I also know several and they have told me what they struggle with when using the English language.

You are looking for an argument again.

You said that Dyslexia only affects spelling.

Right lets look at that one point

I believe that the poster earlier on the thread said that people who can't spell, are 'low intelligence' aswell.

So do you agree with her or not.? That people who can't spell have low intelligence. That's what she said

Wow! This thread is highly, highly entertaining! I don't think I've ever seen such a SPAG bunfight on mumsnet. Thoroughly enjoyable, although getting a little personal at times. My particular favourites are the posts that have criticised another's SPAG, only to have theirs criticised in return. I wanted to post, but then had a crisis of confidence about typos. But fuck it!

Language evolution always fascinates me. For example, even just about a decade ago, the term 'bored of (something)' was incorrect (it's 'bored with'). But now it appears that the Oxford English dictionary have reluctantly accepted it. Same with 'if I were' and 'if I was". Both seem to be acceptable now, although the latter is still a little jarring to me.

I don't think I'd like to see apostrophes done away with though.