When you're typing out dialogue, there's something kind of artificial and overly precious about sticking an apostrophe on there for the dropped "g" off the end of an "-ing" verb. You're basically tacking an asterisk on, to say "yes, I know that's not how it's spelled. I've substituted an apostrophe, for the 'g' that really should go there. In this way I show that I am more educated than the speaker, whose ignorant dialect I faithfully transcribe."
Well to me that's bullshit. It totally violates the spirit of the dialogue being reported! Putting that apostrophe inside the speaker's quotation marks reflects badly on him. You're putting your fastidiousness in his mouth. It makes what he has to say look like an affectation. When you read it, you say: "This guy here, with all his singin', and his dancin' around the issue, he comes off as a bit of a poser."
I say just leave the apostrophe off. That dude is not saying what he has to say with an apostrophe. He dropped that "g" with complete unconcern and nonchalance. No way is he going to be so fussy as to put something on in its place, to apostrophize (if you will) the absent consonant.
You want to drop a "g," drop a "g." Don't be all dainty about it. Dropping the "g" is not a dainty move.
Well to me that's bullshit. It totally violates the spirit of the dialogue being reported! Putting that apostrophe inside the speaker's quotation marks reflects badly on him. You're putting your fastidiousness in his mouth. It makes what he has to say look like an affectation. When you read it, you say: "This guy here, with all his singin', and his dancin' around the issue, he comes off as a bit of a poser."
I say just leave the apostrophe off. That dude is not saying what he has to say with an apostrophe. He dropped that "g" with complete unconcern and nonchalance. No way is he going to be so fussy as to put something on in its place, to apostrophize (if you will) the absent consonant.
You want to drop a "g," drop a "g." Don't be all dainty about it. Dropping the "g" is not a dainty move.
Comments
Yeah, I do it myself as well, all the time. But then just suddenly it seemed wrong; off.
So I inveighed!
I mean it's freakin dialogue.
Well, maybe you’re right though. But I figure it’s okay to think in apostrophes. Recently on the train a lady was having breakfast and I was listening to her conversation and watching her eat. And two things jumped into my head.
Holding that thought
and droppin’ eaves
Overheard words
The impression it leaves
Danish pastry
Lookin’ so tasty
But you can’t be mine
I’ll have to decline.
But I was only thinkin’ the apostrophes. In my head.