The apostrophic controversy

From GTALUG

Sitemap > About > Random > The apostrophic controversy 

User/Users/User's
[edit]

The Apostrophic Controversy

Much blood has been spilled in the heated conflict over the correct way to de-abbreviate LUG. There are those who hold to the view that LUG stands simply for Linux User's Group with an apostrophe indicating that the Group is possed by a generic Linux User.

Such an apostrophe is a mistake grounded in a misunderstanding of grammar. English lacks a true Genitive form of nouns. The 's indicates possession, but it does not truly attach itself to the owner.

However, nouns can be used as adjectives. A TLUG President is a President divinely commanded to rule TLUG. TLUG functions as an adjective modifying President. Similarly, a Linux User Group is a Group for a generic Linux User. Recursively, a Linux User is a User of Linux.

Just as one would not say Linux's User's Group, one should not say Linux User's Group. That is neither consistent nor idiomatic. Linux User Group is preferable to Linux User's Group.


Apostrophes are definitely incorrect, but is the correct form Linux User Group or Linux Users Group? Should not User be plural? Are there not more than one concurrent member in the association?

The answer to that is both yes and no.

Arguments against plurality:

  • a set of bovines is a cow herd
  • a set of writing implements is a pencil case
  • a set of social insectoids is a bee hive
  • a set of files is a file system

Arguments in favour of plurality:

  • a set of teachers is a Teachers Union
  • a person charged with terrifying children is a kids entertainer
  • a set of security holes is a Windows network.


Ergo, the plurality of User in Linux User Group depends on personal taste. Vive la Linux User Group! Vive la Linux Users Group!

Retrieved from "http://tlug.ss.org/wiki/The_apostrophic_controversy"
Customize