1. writerdude11

    writerdude11 New Member

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    is this correct grammar?

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by writerdude11, Apr 23, 2013.

    "The sherriff exhaled a long breath from listening to Myra's (?) plea."

    Does the apostrophe go BEFORE the "s" or AFTER the s?

    If anyone could clarify, I'd greatly appreciate it, thanks!
     
  2. E. C. Scrubb

    E. C. Scrubb Active Member

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    It depends on the name.

    Myra + possessive = Myra's.

    Myras + possessive = either Myras', or Myras's, depending on the style guide you're following.

    Honestly, I'm more worred about the word "from" in this sentence.
     
  3. GoldenGhost

    GoldenGhost Senior Member

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    A breath that is being exhaled by someone cannot originate from someone's plea, which is what you have the exhale doing in your sentence. It makes absolutely no sense. You seem to be trying to describe, however, his response to her pleas. As in (or something similar): The sheriff let out a long sigh, after listening to Myra's plea. or; The sheriff sighed once Myra finished pleading. or; Myra's pleas caused the sheriff to sigh. Or whatever, but I think you get the idea. You have a piece of language doing an action that is impossible. And Scrubb nailed the possession problem.
     
  4. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

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    if the name is myra, the apostrophe goes after the 'a'...

    and gg is right, the sentence itself isn't a good one... try one of his suggested revisions...
     
  5. writerdude11

    writerdude11 New Member

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    I don't understand why the word "from" is not right. Perhaps its not "telling" enough?

    How about "The sherriff exhaled a long breath as a result of listening to Myra's (?) plea"
     
  6. madhoca

    madhoca Contributor Contributor

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    Agree with gg. "From" makes no sense.
     
  7. SwampDog

    SwampDog Senior Member

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    .
    There is only one 'r' in sheriff. 'From' is just an exceptionally poor choice, and clumsy.

    Exhaled isn't a good choice, either. If you're trying to show the sheriff's exasperation as a result of listening to Myra's pleading, then word it as such (and note where the apostrophes went.) ;)

    Something like: Myra's pleading only induced a heavy sigh from the sheriff;

    or, The sheriff slumped - he'd heard it all before. Myra's vain pleading would get her nowhere.
     

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