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Might I be allowed to offer my observation on the old chestnut that is the position of the apostrophe?
It seems to me that many of the errors arise from schoolchildren being told that there are 2 options: apostrophe S, and S apostrophe.
Surely there is only the former - ‘S to denote ownership. However, if the word (to which ownership is to be ascribed) already ends in an S, (as happens with feminine forms, most plurals, a few proper names etc) it looks odd with S’S, and is harder to pronounce, so the S (of ‘S) is dispensed with.
It really doesn’t make the notation S’. Eg the ladies’ bags was never “ ladie” with S’, but ladies with ‘s, and then with the second S removed to avoid S’S.

I agree with you, tonta, although if I say James' book, it sometimes doesn't seem enough and so I am likely to say James's book. It is an old chestnut, as you say, and unlikely ever to go away until the apostrophe is abolished!

Orson

I`ve heard `a shellacking` being used to mean a good drubbing, but not so much nowadays

Tonta & Orson

St James` Park (Newcastle) always seems to be pronounced St James`s, which is how the London one is written - no wonder there is confusion!

Malone

Nice to see one of your favourite words, b'o's'u'n, in the Times today.

Grunger, I too spotted that this morning! Doesn't it look so much nicer without all the pesky apostrophes?

Malone

Yes it does. It was lovely to see the full word.

Grunger, thanks. I suppose the only problem with the word is the pronunciation - I'm sure my children (and probably my mother!) would have gone around saying 'Boat's wain'. That's logical, of course!

Malone

I used to pronounce it - "Boat Swain", i.e. someone who swains boats, although I have never heard of swain being used as a verb, only in the "lover" sense.

I have tried to imagine how you might swain a boat or a cox, without success unfortunately.

Tyke

I see in the Times that Bon Jovi reported that Bayern shellacked Chelsea, after spending the previous evening sipping whisky with him.

Would that help Rovers?

Grunger

Most Rovers supporters need a good stiff drink before and after our games!

I`ve cast my vote in the leadership election - the online voting method was different - it involved `dragging & dropping` the candidate`s name into a box - not sure all the older members are familiar with this!