Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Pedestrian2

Life can be pretty pedestrian at times. Well, that was what I was thinking last weekend trying to come up with a fresh take on the topic for the first of the month. 

"Look up. Look down. Look at my thumb. Gee, you're dumb!"

I was just about ready to start sing-songing this little ditty from childhood, when I caught my shadow in front of me. I thought for a moment it was leading me on. Leading me to a photograph I might use the following day. I ran it by my two resident critics in such matters. I usually do when I'm in a sort of bind. They both resounded with big NOs. Ok, I digress a bit. I need some help from all the grammarians out there. What is the acceptable plural of 'no'? Is it nos? Noes? Or is it, can it actually be no's? In various dictionaries and grammar guides, I find all three acceptable choices. Can it be? I await your answers or guesses.

Back to my two editors. They both said use it, but not for theme day. So there you have it. I went against their wishes and rolled the dice. My theme day photo of the 'roadway in snow' was my choice, and one that I really like. Based on the comments received, many of my friends out there in the blogosphere did also. 
But forget that, I need to know the answer to my grammatical inquiry.
Nos, Noes, No's or other choices????? Which would you use?
Don't make me go consult my Strunk and White's Elements of Style... or Grammar Girl! 

13 comments:

  1. it's always interesting to take a shot of your own shadow!

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  2. Reword the sentence; the answer to all grammar problems.

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  3. Oh, what memories . . . Elements of Style - my "go to book" (thanks to my English teacher, Mr. Ricker), all through high school! I know right where it is - on a bookshelf in the guestroom. When I get home this afternoon, I will be sure to check it out.

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  4. They negated it ...

    But, I'm glad you said no to them.

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  5. ha ha. i agree with kate! :)

    your shadow leading you on. ha ha ha.

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  6. From your grammar research it sounds like any use is OK. Go for it -- live dangerously -- barbara

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  7. I love Kate's answer. That is exactly what I would have done.

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  8. ayes and noes, yes's and no's???...I NEVER EVER saw "noes"...or a noe......You & Peter Pan have fine shadows...

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  9. Head just got a little electric frizzle. I think nos and noes are both correct but neither looks right.

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  10. Though I would do what Kate suggests and reword the sentence (English teacher unite on that one), I think nos is correct. I would probably do it like this: NOs.

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  11. Love the photo and I would have used no's without badding a I.

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  12. I agree with Kate too. Nice shot.

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