Question:
On another thread, I added a comment to the effect that it is either a
90-day notice or a 90 days' notice (that is, either hyphen and singular
or plural and apostrophe) and forget about logic. Some one asked
whether I should expect "logicality" in grammar. That is indeed a good
question.
One reason I ventured into the internet is that, for decades, I heard
only that there is no grammar in Chinese. So, I thought I want to find
out exactly how good grammar of the English language is. I must confess
that I have learned very little. Anything that cannot be explained --
logically or otherwise -- I got the answer that it is an "idiomatic"
use, whatever that means. David Li
Answer:
Most grammar rules have a logic-based reason. 90 days' notice, for instance
is actually, *90 days of notice.* The apostrophe is a placeholder for *of.*
There are a few wonderful style guides and usage books that will really help
you sort through the reasons. Most grammar rules are based on Latin, and due
to that some of the rules have been pitched into the Editorial Graveyard.
(The rule about splitting infinitives and the one about never ending a
sentence with a preposition are examples. The reason they were ever in place
was because one could split an infinitive in Latin as it is only one word.)
Modern usage is chipping away at the language, also. But, be warned, careful
writers know the difference and so will a good editor.
Pick up the New York Public Library's Guide to Style and Usage. It's worth
studying.
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