Avoid the Greengrocer's Apostrophe

Do not use an apostrophe to make a noun plural.

The name “Greengrocer’s Apostrophe” comes from errors in the use of apostrophes that frequently occur on signs that appear in store windows or in the produce section of grocery stores. This error also occurs in many other places, as the following examples show.

The correct way to write this sign would be:
 iPads 
For Sale Here

The correct way to write this sign would be:
Oranges 
$1.25 a pound

The correct way to write this sign would be:
Onions on Sale
30% Off
One Day Only!

The misuse of the possessive apostrophe is one of the most common errors in writing. Learn to avoid using an apostrophe to make nouns plural. Apostrophes are used to make nouns possessive, not plural. 

Visit my TpT store to find my newest lesson and practice exercises on avoiding the use of the greengrocer's apostrophe. Click here.

If you find examples of a greengrocer's apostrophe on signs in stores that you visit, tell me about it in a comment here. I would love to see what you discover.

Remember to visit my store to see all of the educational products I have written, including the highly successful Simple Steps to Sentence Sense series.

Have a Happy New Year. I hope 2012 is a great one for you!