TF
Sat Jul 08 04:00:35 CDT 2006
Well its is an example where the rule doesn't apply. It's is only used when
it is an abbreviation of 'it is'. Its is used for possessive - never 'it's'
for possessive.
As Suzanne said, English is far too complex for a computer to understand.
There are virtually no grammar rules without as many exceptions are there
agreements to the rule. Check how the grammar checker plays with a plural
collective such as 'staff'! Even though I am a hardened grammar snob, I
frequently trip up. Word doesn't do too bad a job but it is far from
perfect.
terry
<aalaan@tpg.com.au> wrote in message news:44aedcfc@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
:
: "TF" <terryfarrell%40%6d%73%6e%2ecom> wrote in message
: news:eekWFEsnGHA.1592@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
: > Very often the grammar checker will underline something it is unsure
: > about -
: > such as possessives, their/they're, advice/advise and more too. My guess
: > is
: > that English is so complex that the grammar checker is highlighting so
: > that
: > the user is able to ensure that the word used is correct.
: >
: > 'It's' and 'its' is a particularly difficult point of grammar to write
: > into
: > a rule as there are so many ways they can be used in text - so in your
: > instance, it has probably underlined its as a precaution.
: >
: > --
: > Terry Farrell - Word MVP
: >
http://word.mvps.org/
:
: Sorry Terry. Don't agree that it is (it's!) complicated. My understanding
is
: that apostrophe s is used for possession (the room's atmosphere), but in
the
: one case where it indicates a missing letter this takes precedence and it
: cannot be used for possession too. So it's a fine day means it is a fine
: day; its (no ') own image means the image belonging to it.
:
: Not trying to be picky but I see that as fairly simple.
:
: > "Cathampton" <Cathampton@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
: > news:D5FF9FEF-21F0-41BC-9530-28DE0969FAD8@microsoft.com...
: > : The grammar checker in Word should have its grammar right. In this
: > case,
: > it
: > : doesn't. Perhaps the wizards of Washington, the Microsoft
programmers,
: > can
: > : fix this error. I am using Office 2003.
: > :
: > : ----------------
: > : This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
: > : suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click
the
: > "I
: > : Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button,
follow
: > this
: > : link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and
: > then
: > : click "I Agree" in the message pane.
: > :
: > :
: >
http://www.microsoft.com/office/community/en-us/default.mspx?mid=d5ff9fef-21f0-41bc-9530-28de0969fad8&dg=microsoft.public.word.application.errors
: >
: >
:
: