After 18 years, the Apostrophe Protection Society has closed, its founder, John Richards, declaring that “the ignorance and laziness present in modern times have won!” RIP the apostrophe?
John Richards is now something of a holy martyr for prescriptive English grammar enthusiasts. We might even sing songs about him (not song’s). And if I, Jonny, write a song, it will be Jonny’s song about John Richards, not Jonnys song about John Richard’s. If I write multiple, they’ll be Jonny’s songs about John Richards, not Jonnys song’s about John Richards’. You get the point.
As a copywriter and literature lover, this feels like a personal defeat. I’ve spent my life learning grammar rules, including the correct use of apostrophes. Yet, the world is moving on. The masses no longer seem to care—and the rules are bending.
As Bob Dylan said, “The times, they are a-changin’.” The same applies to language. English has never stood still. It evolves, warps, and mutates. “Wicked” now means “great.” “Literally” can mean “figuratively.” We haven’t toasted with “Gōd hælo!” since the 11th century. Apostrophe confusion isn’t new—it’s never had a clear consensus.
The digital age has shifted how we write. Texts, tweets, and comments don’t pause for punctuation. The mobile phone has impacted English the way the Black Death reshaped Europe. Language is mutating, and there’s no stopping it.
Let’s not become the annoying “grammar Nazis.” Their devotion is more about superiority than clarity. They focus on rigid rules to feel smug, not to genuinely improve communication.
That said, apostrophes do still matter—especially in professional or formal writing. Used correctly, they clarify meaning. As the classic grammar joke goes: apostrophes are the difference between knowing your shit and knowing you’re shit.
Instead of fighting the inevitable, let’s adapt. Use apostrophes carefully in contexts that demand clarity. Be flexible in informal settings. Maybe, just maybe, that’s what John Richards would’ve wanted. If you’re struggling with your content – and how to use the apostrophes in it – contact us today!