Here’s a question from my mailbox: Is it ones duty OR one’s duty?
I understand the reasoning behind the question. As I repeatedly preach, there is no apostrophe with a possessive pronoun (which few people seem to get, given the proliferation of “it’s” for “its” in road signs, notices, etc.). The question here seems to be whether “one” is or is not a pronoun.
The possessive pronouns are: my, yours, ours, theirs, his, hers, and its. (Notice the absence of apostrophes) One, however, is not a pronoun. Hence, the correct usage is one’s duty.
Your comments are welcome here, and your grammar questions are welcome at grammar@cherylnorman.com. I’ll get you an answer as soon as I can.
Cheryl
Hey cheryl,
Nice to see yur blog and website. Great job!!
I am in love with yur informative posts. Keep writing
Regards
Donna
Very interesting blog. I can get boistrous with my stupid concepts I have a nice joke for you people!
Did you hear about the butcher who accidentally backed into the meat grinder? He got a little behind in his work.
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