Posted by Tamar on September 27, 2005, at 17:44:40
In reply to Re: person's, posted by Joslynn on September 27, 2005, at 16:57:10
Just adding my voice to the discussion…
> Now I'm confuzzled!
>
> I thought it was singular not just because of the 'the', but because it said "the person's anomalous experience" singular (not experiences with an -s).The apostrophe would appear in the same place whether the experience is singular or plural.
> And if it's an anomalous experience, something unusual, then that also makes me think that the writer means the individual, not all people. I am just trying to guess the original intent of the writer.
On the other hand, several people could have anomalous experiences. And, for example, a group of six people could share an anomalous experience.
Sometimes it’s easier to see how it works in a full sentence:
Harriet said the person’s anomalous experience was like being in bed with an elephant.
Harriet said the person’s anomalous experiences were happening only on Mondays.
Harriet said the people’s anomalous experience was a collective delusion.
Harriet said the people’s anomalous experiences were potentially dangerous.Just my two cents’ worth…
Tamar
poster:Tamar
thread:558298
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20050922/msgs/560312.html