1. Tyler Danann

    Tyler Danann Active Member

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    Apostrophe after 'X'

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by Tyler Danann, Feb 7, 2015.

    Got an item in my book called a Fromax.

    Should I pluralize it as Fromax' or Fromaxes?

    I'm feeling a ' is more suitable as the 'es' makes it look like an axe I think, when it's a baton type weapon.
     
  2. Shadowfax

    Shadowfax Contributor Contributor

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    An apostrophe after a word usually indicates the possessive (the ladies' handbags), so if you use Fromax', I'd be looking for his handbag to follow shortly thereafter - use Fromaxes as the plural - or you could use the example of index - indices, and go for Fromaces. However, if it's a scary monster, that plural makes it sound too cute!
     
  3. Wreybies

    Wreybies Thrice Retired Supporter Contributor

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    As indicated prior, the apostrophe at the end of a word does not pluralize a word. It marks the plural possessive.

    Doctor singular nominative
    Doctor's singular genitive (possessive)
    Doctors plural nominative
    Doctors' plural genitive (possessive)

    The ['] or the ['s] is equivalent to körng in Thai. But instead of being a separate word that modifies the noun, it is a part of the noun itself. It blends together. This is a very different structure to how Thai handles possessives, but if you think of it that way, like a körng that you attach to the end of the word then it makes sense.
     
  4. GingerCoffee

    GingerCoffee Web Surfer Girl Contributor

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    Translation:

    Add es to pluralize a word that ends in x.
    Add the apostrophe to make it singular possessive and es' to make it plural possessive.

    Fromaxes are useful.
    The Fromax' cover is red.
    Fromaxes' covers are red.

    ;)
     
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  5. minstrel

    minstrel Leader of the Insquirrelgency Supporter Contributor

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    Are you sure of this one? I would have used Fromax's.
     
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