Is it April Fools, April Fool’s or April Fools’ Day?
Posted by: Ivy Wigmore
apostrophes, April Fools', Business writing, CIO, grammar, Quiz, spelling holiday names
Which is correct?
The Daily Telegraph reported that ferrets would be involved in delivering broadband to rural areas. Oh right — it’s ____________.
a. April Fools Day
b. April Fool’s Day
c. April Fools’ Day
Answer: c.
Explanation:
Apparently, there are multiple fools and this is their (our) day. (It’s the plural possessive form).
There’s no standard form for special days — you just have to remember them. Or you could track down an authorative source. Here’s a list on Accu.Assist from The Gregg Reference Manual:
Apostrophe before the s:
● New Year’s Eve/Day
● Lincoln’s Birthday
● Valentine’s Day
● Saint Patrick’s Day
● Mother’s Day
● Father’s Day
Apostrophe after the s:
● Presidents’ Day
● April Fools’ Day
● All Saints’ Day
No apostrophe:
● Veterans Day
● Armed Forces Day
● United Nations Day
● Administrative Professionals Day
And here’s more on that ferret-based broadband delivery story.
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