The Battle of the Apostrophe: Is it Try’s or Tries?

The world of grammar can be a treacherous terrain, especially when it comes to the humble apostrophe. One of the most common mistakes that even the most seasoned writers make is the incorrect use of the apostrophe in the verb “try.” Is it “try’s” or “tries”? The answer might seem simple, but trust us, it’s not as cut and dried as you think.

The Basics of Apostrophes

Before we dive into the battle of “try’s” vs. “tries,” let’s take a quick refresher course on the basics of apostrophes. An apostrophe is a punctuation mark used to indicate possession or ownership. For example, “John’s car” means the car belongs to John. Apostrophes are also used to form contractions, such as “can’t” instead of “cannot.”

However, when it comes to verbs, things get a bit more complicated. Verbs can take many forms, including singular and plural, and it’s here that the apostrophe can get lost in translation.

The Verb “Try”: A Singular or Plural Affair

The verb “try” is a bit of a rebel when it comes to following the rules. In its singular form, “try” takes no apostrophe, as seen in the sentence “I will try to finish this article on time.” Simple enough, right?

But what happens when we add an -s to the end of “try”? Do we add an apostrophe to make it “try’s”? The short answer is no, and here’s why.

The Possessive Apostrophe Myth

Many people mistakenly believe that adding an apostrophe to “try” makes it possessive, as in “the try’s of the game.” However, this is a common myth. The possessive form of “try” would actually be “the try of the game,” with no apostrophe in sight.

The apostrophe is only necessary when indicating possession or ownership, and in this case, “try” is a verb, not a noun. So, what do we do when we want to indicate the plural form of “try”?

The Plural Form of “Try”: Enter the Suffix -es

When forming the plural of a verb like “try,” we need to add the suffix -es to make it “tries.” This is because verbs ending in -y, -z, -s, -sh, -ch, or -x typically take the -es suffix to form the plural.

For example, the plural form of “bus” is “buses,” and the plural form of “crutch” is “crutches.” Similarly, the plural form of “try” is indeed “tries,” with no apostrophe needed.

Tries vs. Try’s: What’s the Difference?

So, what’s the difference between “tries” and “try’s”? The answer is simple: “tries” is the correct plural form of the verb “try,” while “try’s” is an incorrect formation that’s a common mistake.

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference:

• Correct: The basketball team makes several tries to win the game.
• Incorrect: The basketball team makes several try’s to win the game.

In the first example, “tries” is the correct plural form of the verb “try,” indicating multiple attempts to win the game. In the second example, “try’s” is an incorrect formation that suggests possession or ownership, which is not the intended meaning.

The Exception to the Rule: Possessive Pronouns

There is one exception to the rule when it comes to using an apostrophe with “try.” When using possessive pronouns like “its” or “your,” an apostrophe is necessary to indicate possession.

For example:

• The cat chases its tail with gusto.
• Your try at the obstacle course was impressive.

In these cases, the apostrophe is necessary to indicate that the noun belongs to the pronoun. However, this is a separate rule from the plural formation of the verb “try.”

Conclusion

In the battle of “try’s” vs. “tries,” the winner is clear: “tries” is the correct plural form of the verb “try.” While it might seem like a small mistake, using the incorrect form can change the meaning of your sentence and make you appear careless with your grammar.

Remember, when in doubt, stick to the rules: add the suffix -es to form the plural of “try,” and avoid using an apostrophe unless you’re indicating possession or ownership.

By following these simple rules, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a grammar guru and avoiding the common mistake of “try’s” vs. “tries.”

What is the purpose of an apostrophe in the English language?

The primary function of an apostrophe is to indicate possession or ownership. It is used to show that something belongs to someone or something else. For example, “John’s book” implies that the book belongs to John. Apostrophes are also used to form contractions, which are shortened forms of words or phrases. In this case, the apostrophe takes the place of omitted letters or sounds.

In addition to possession and contractions, apostrophes can be used to indicate the plural form of single letters or symbols. For instance, “mind your p’s and q’s” is a common idiomatic expression that uses apostrophes to form the plural of the letters “p” and “q”. Overall, the apostrophe is a versatile punctuation mark that serves several important functions in written English.

What is the difference between Try’s and Tries?

The difference between “Try’s” and “Tries” lies in their grammatical functions. “Try’s” is a possessive form, implying that something belongs to “Try”. This could be a person, a company, or even an abstract concept. On the other hand, “Tries” is a verb, specifically the third person singular present tense of the verb “try”. This means that “Tries” is an action being performed by someone or something.

To illustrate the difference, consider the following examples: “Try’s coffee shop is open late” (here, “Try’s” implies possession) versus “She tries her best to succeed” (here, “Tries” is a verb showing an action). Understanding the distinction between these two forms is crucial for clear and accurate communication in written English.

How do I know when to use an apostrophe to form a possessive?

To determine whether to use an apostrophe to form a possessive, ask yourself if the noun or pronoun is showing ownership or possession. If the answer is yes, then an apostrophe is likely necessary. For example, “the cat’s toy” or “John’s car” both use apostrophes to indicate possession. Additionally, if you are describing a family or group, you can use an apostrophe to show possession, such as “the Smiths’ house” or “the team’s uniform”.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Plural nouns that end in -s, such as “cats” or “dogs”, do not require an additional -s after the apostrophe. Instead, the apostrophe comes after the -s, as in “the cats’ toys” or “the dogs’ bones”. It’s essential to understand these subtleties to use apostrophes correctly in your writing.

When should I use an apostrophe to form a contraction?

An apostrophe is used to form a contraction when you are combining two words or parts of words with omitted letters or sounds. The apostrophe takes the place of the omitted letters or sounds, creating a shortened form of the words or phrases. Examples of contractions include “can’t” (cannot), “won’t” (will not), and ” shouldn’t” (should not).

It’s essential to remember that contractions are typically used in informal writing, such as social media posts, text messages, or casual emails. In formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports, it’s generally best to use the full words or phrases instead of contractions. This helps to maintain a professional tone and ensure clarity.

Can I use an apostrophe to form the plural of acronyms or initialisms?

In general, it’s not necessary to use an apostrophe to form the plural of acronyms or initialisms. Instead, you can simply add -s to the end of the acronym or initialism. For instance, “NGOs” is the plural form of “NGO” (non-governmental organization), and “DVDs” is the plural form of “DVD” (digital versatile disc).

However, there may be situations where an apostrophe is used to form the plural of an acronym or initialism, particularly if the abbreviation is already plural. For example, “the FBI’s policies” uses an apostrophe to show possession, but “FBI’s” is not a plural form. It’s essential to understand the context and intended meaning to use apostrophes correctly.

What are some common mistakes people make with apostrophes?

One of the most common mistakes people make with apostrophes is using them to form the plural of nouns. This is incorrect, as an apostrophe is not needed to indicate plurality. Another mistake is using an apostrophe to form the possessive of plural nouns that already end in -s. For example, “the cats’ toys” is correct, but “the cat’s” is not necessary to form the plural possessive.

Additionally, people often misuse apostrophes in contractions, such as using “it’s” (it is or it has) instead of “its” (possessive form of “it”). This mistake can completely change the meaning of a sentence, leading to confusion and miscommunication.

How can I improve my use of apostrophes in writing?

To improve your use of apostrophes in writing, start by understanding the basic rules and functions of apostrophes. Practice using apostrophes in different contexts, such as possession, contractions, and plural forms. Read widely and pay attention to how apostrophes are used in various written materials, including books, articles, and websites.

It’s also helpful to proofread your writing carefully to catch any mistakes. Read your text out loud or ask someone else to review it to ensure that your use of apostrophes is correct. With practice and attention to detail, you can master the use of apostrophes and enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.