Question
Updated on
28 January
- Portuguese (Brazil)
-
English (US)
Question about English (US)
What does Why there's an apostrophe here? mean?
What does Why there's an apostrophe here? mean?
in these verbs: runnin', playin', shakin', etc.
there's an explanation to why they use the apostrophe in the end of a verb?
there's an explanation to why they use the apostrophe in the end of a verb?
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- Dutch
- English (US) Near fluent
it's purely to indicate pronunciation, it means you don't pronounce the g.
The meaning is the same
- English (US)
the apostrophe replaces the g at the end of these verbs. running -> runnin’
when speaking english, sometimes native speakers don’t always pronounce the G at the end. so when writing, this is the way it’s written to show this way of speaking.
Highly-rated answerer
- English (US)
Apostrophes can indicate that one or more letters have been deleted, either in a single word or in a combination of words. (Hadn’t, isn’t, etc.)
In this case, the “g” has been dropped to reflect how these words are sometimes pronounced in casual language.
I’m runnin’ as fast as I can.
The kids are playin’ games.
Highly-rated answerer
- English (US)
- French (France) Near fluent
An apostrophe is used to show ownership or as a replacement for a missing letter
boy's hat = hat is owned [the apostrophe is used to show ownership]
there's = there is [the apostrophe is used as a replacement for a missing letter]
runnin' = running [the apostrophe is used as a replacement for a missing letter]
Note : the apostrophe is not used to indicate pronunciation.
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- Dutch
- English (US) Near fluent
@CC3 are you completely sure it ain't used to indicate pronunciation? isn't it in songs that whenever they write "runnin' " then they mean you don't sing the g for example?
- English (US)
- French (France) Near fluent
@jeftakels
The apostrophe has only two uses : the ones I mentioned.
Words that have an apostrophe are pronounced, in respect of that. However, that is not their use.
Note : daily speech (unlike reading poetry and singing songs and reading literature), in English, should not be spoken in regard of the apostrophe. Always say «running» never say «runnin'» when speaking (as opposed to reading or singing).
Personal Note : don't use «ain't»; it does not reflect well on the person.
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