grammar experts - plural question!

[min]

Hi everyone, particularly grammar experts!

 

Life these days is full of TLAs (or four letter acronyms, or two letter acronyms etc) and I find myself unsure how to pluralise them. I tend to do it like the previous example, as I like kittens. Many people, however, would write TLA's or ABC's etc.

 

Is there a definite rule? In my mind the definite rule is "never use an apostrophe to make a plural" but I find myself uncertain...

 

Miranda

[Michelle in MO]

Hi everyone, particularly grammar experts!

 

Life these days is full of TLAs (or four letter acronyms, or two letter acronyms etc) and I find myself unsure how to pluralise them. I tend to do it like the previous example, as I like kittens. Many people, however, would write TLA's or ABC's etc.

 

Is there a definite rule? In my mind the definite rule is "never use an apostrophe to make a plural" but I find myself uncertain...

 

Miranda

I used to add the apostrophe all the time until someone pointed out the fact that the acronym becomes a plural, not a possessive. So, you are correct: avoid the apostrophe. I've had to retrain my thinking to write "In the 1800s" rather than "In the 1800's." I'm used to the look of the latter, but the former is correct.

 

You're right on track, I think!

[Mrs Mungo]

It depends upon the style guide. Some still recommend an apostrophe with dates or acronyms. My personal preference is to not use an apostrophe. That may have been obvious. ;)

[Lolly]

As Mrs. Mungo pointed out, it depends on the style guide. I was taught to use apostrophes in those cases, so I prefer to use them. It just drives me crazy not to put them in there!