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.

I always think if this song when I see that at the grocery.

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Because that would completely change the pronunciation of Qatar and make Scrabble too easy.

I don't think dumbing down the language is a good way forward.

Yes, languages evolve. They generally do so naturally and organically, not because someone somewhere decides that from now on we must all do this or that.

I enjoy reading a lot. I would not read a book filled with spelling/grammar mistakes because, while I'd probably still be able to piece together the meaning, it would be an unpleasant read. In the same way, a meal with too much salt will sate your hunger just as well as a meal without, but it will not be enjoyable.

I also think that the use of precise language is important. There are reasons why languages evolve a certain way and not others. Clearly if the english language has retained the use of apostrophes for centuries - including in times where an extra caracter was much, much more of a pain to include than nowadays - we can infer that generations past thought it was important.

As for the rest of the thread...

People were rude to jump on you for a single mistake.
You were at least as rude in your responses to them (calling someone "pet" is incredibly condescending).
And we should keep the apostrophes.

I still use apostrophes for things like in two years’ time, as that’s how I was taught and ‘phone

This 👍🏼

French? Lot's of apostrophes in French. Poor spelling and grammar detracts from what people are writing, tbh. The reader concentrates on the abbreviation 'dont' 'gonna' and can't get past that to the point of what's being written.

Im changes the word sound from eye -m to 'im' like Tim.

I don't think it's just about missing letters or possession - if I was reading a novel, or even an email, the punctuation and apostrophes will affect the tone I imagine the author/character saying the words.

So "I don't know" wouldn't be the same to me as "I do not know", or "I DO NOT KNOW!" or "I. Do. Not. Know".

Dont in my head would be read to rhyme with font and be very jarring.

Actually we really do. It makes out brains hurt.

I presume you’re aware you’ve added an erroneous apostrophe in your OP?

Is that a question? Surely it was a statement?

“Apostrophe's were originally in place”

It’s funny you’re complaining about too many apostrophes whilst using them where they’re not needed!

This whole topic reminds me of a teacher I had when I was about eleven, who said that our whole class treated commas as though we were scattering grain on a field and expecting it to take seed wherever it fell!

@SpidersAreShitheadsYes! That’s it… really very funny

I believe Marks and Spencer had to alter all their signs a few years ago, from “Ten items or less” to “Ten items or fewer”

If you don’t know how to use apostrophes- then don’t start a thread about them.

I've seen "fewer" at supermarket express tills.

People complained about this for decades and some stores listened and corrected their signage.

Lol

No I wrote it exactly how I wanted it.

And when you would naturally pause during a sentence, as I've done here.

Ouch you hurt me with that pathetic insult.

Not.

No that is incorrect.

Yes, so apostrophes have changed over time.