In his article titled Lets Chill Out About Apostrophes, John McWhorter argues that the rigid adherence to apostrophe usage in the English language is largely unnecessary and often serves more as a marker of social class or intellectual precision rather than a genuine aid to clarity. McWhorter suggests that context usually provides sufficient understanding and that language has evolved and will continue without strict punctuation rules. He advocates for a more flexible approach to apostrophes, recognizing their limited utility and the potential for clear communication without them. Regrettably, John McWhorter underestimates the importance of the transformative power of skilled communication. He views punctuation as an elitist dog whistle instead of a powerful tool to elicit subtle gradations of meaning.
The importance of clarity in thought and communication has only increased in our ever more information-dense world. The digital age has not just ushered in an era where information is abundant and constantly accessible, but also a time where clear communication is a necessity, not a luxury. In this landscape, thinking clearly and communicating effectively is not just important, it's paramount.
Your ideas are only as valuable as your ability to communicate them. It is crucial to present complex concepts in an accessible and comprehensible manner. If an idea cannot be clearly communicated, it is unlikely to gain the traction needed to be nurtured and eventually realized.
Language evolves. The apostrophe likely originated in the early 16th century. It originally served as a marker that something had been removed from a word, often a vowel not critical for pronunciation. The writings of William Shakespeare and Thomas Jefferson frequently used apostrophes inconsistently. Over time, norms around the apostrophe evolved into the multipurpose writing aid we know today. The common theme through the 500 years of transformation in our use of the apostrophe is the growing role of augmenting accuracy in our writing. The evolution of language is not an excuse to discard clarity in meaning, and the history of language has been a steady pursuit in the opposite direction.
Regrettably, the pursuit of correctness and accuracy has become seen as snobbery and elitism in much of American society today. Such distinctions are the product of a life spent reading, writing, thinking, and learning. They are not the product of class, societal stratification, arrogance, or hubris. Language is a powerful tool that all can wield to their advantage. Long live the obstinate apostrophe.