Saoirse Downs
There is some variation in the way that people refer to basketball played by girls, with some sources stating that the correct term is 'girls basketball', while others argue for 'girls' basketball'. The use of the term 'girls basketball' is based on the idea that there is no ownership of the sport, and that the word 'girls' is being used as a noun adjunct (a noun modifying another noun) rather than as a possessive noun. However, some argue that the apostrophe is necessary to indicate the possessive plural form, especially when referring to a specific team such as 'The Institution X Girls' Basketball Team'. Ultimately, the choice between 'girls basketball' and 'girls' basketball' may depend on the style guide or conventions of a particular publication or organisation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Proper AP style | Girls basketball |
| Possessive plural | Girls' basketball |
| Referring to a basketball possessed by a single girl | Girl's basketball |
| Referring to the game played by females | Girls/Womens basketball |
| Referring to a sports team | Girls' Basketball Team |
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What You'll Learn
'Girls basketball' vs 'girls' basketball' vs 'girl's basketball'
There are varying opinions on the correct way to write 'girls basketball'. Some people believe that the correct term is 'girls basketball' because there is no ownership of the sport. The words 'men' and 'women' are already plural, so it would be incorrect to say 'womens basketball' or 'mens basketball'. This is supported by the AP style, which uses the plural noun as a noun adjunct, for example, 'girls basketball team'.
However, others argue that it should be 'girls' basketball' because it is a possessive plural. The apostrophe indicates that the basketball belongs to a group of girls, and this is the correct way to form the plural possessive when the plural ends in 's'. This view is supported by some stylebooks, which state that 'girls basketball' is incorrect.
A third option is 'girl's basketball', but this would usually only be used if a single girl was playing in the game or if the basketball belonged to one girl.
Some publications use their own style, such as 'girls' basketball', and it can depend on the context, for example, whether the basketball is possessed by a single girl or a group of girls, or whether it refers to the sport as played by girls.
In conclusion, there is no definitive answer, and the usage varies depending on the source and context. The most common usage seems to be 'girls basketball', but 'girls' basketball' is also used and may be considered correct by some.
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The use of 'girls' as a noun adjunct
In the context of the phrase "girls basketball", the word "girls" is used as a noun adjunct, also known as an attributive noun or noun modifier. A noun adjunct is a noun that modifies another noun, functioning similarly to an adjective. In this case, "girls" is modifying the noun "basketball", indicating that the sport of basketball is played by girls.
The use of "girls" as a noun adjunct in "girls basketball" follows the AP style, where the plural noun is used as the noun adjunct rather than the possessive form. This is in contrast to phrases like "men's basketball" or "women's basketball", where the singular form ("man" or "woman") would require an additional "s" to become plural, resulting in an awkward construction like "mens basketball" or "womens basketball".
However, the use of "girls" as a noun adjunct in "girls basketball" has been a subject of debate among sports journalists and grammar enthusiasts. Some argue that the apostrophe should be included, as in "girls' basketball", to indicate possession or ownership of the sport by the girls. This is analogous to constructions like "a girl's bike", referring to a bike belonging to a girl.
On the other hand, proponents of the "girls basketball" style argue that there is no ownership or possession implied in the phrase. Basketball is not inherently possessed or owned by girls, unlike a specific object like a basketball ball belonging to a girl, as in "the girl's basketball". Excluding the apostrophe avoids any potential confusion or implication of ownership.
Ultimately, the choice between "girls basketball" and "girls' basketball" may depend on the specific context, style guide preferences, and the intention behind the phrase. It is essential to recognize that language usage evolves, and different publications may have their own style preferences. As such, both "girls basketball" and "girls' basketball" may be encountered in various sources, each with its own nuanced interpretation.
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The use of 'men's' and 'women's' as possessives
The use of 'mens' and 'womens' as possessives is incorrect, as these are not valid words. The correct forms are 'men's' and 'women's'.
In the English language, the apostrophe is used to denote possession. For example, "the men's basketball team" or "the women's basketball team". The words "men" and "women" are already plural, so the addition of an 's' after the apostrophe indicates the plural possessive form.
However, when referring to a group of female basketball players, the correct term is "girls basketball" or "girls' basketball team", without the possessive 's'. This is because the word "girls" is already plural, and adding an extra 's' can be confusing and grammatically incorrect. Some style guides, such as AP style, recommend using the plural noun as a noun adjunct, rather than the possessive form, in this context.
There may be instances where you would use the possessive form with "girl" or "boy". For example, "the girl's basketball is flat" or "the boys' basketball game was postponed". In these cases, the possession refers specifically to the basketball or the game, belonging to one girl or to a group of boys, respectively.
In summary, the use of 'mens' and 'womens' as possessives is incorrect, and the correct forms are 'men's' and 'women's'. When referring to a group of female basketball players, the term is "girls basketball" or "girls' basketball team", without the possessive 's', although some publications may use their own style guides. The possessive form with "girl" or "boy" can be used when referring specifically to possession by one girl or a group of boys, respectively.
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The use of 'girls' and 'boys' without an apostrophe
The use of "girls" and "boys" without an apostrophe is often seen in phrases like "girls basketball" or "boys soccer". This usage treats "girls" and "boys" as noun adjuncts, modifying the main noun ("basketball" or "soccer") without indicating possession. This style is commonly used in media publications and is considered correct in AP style, which is widely followed in journalism.
The rationale behind this usage is that there is no ownership or possession of the sport by the group. For example, "girls basketball" refers to the sport as played by girls, not a basketball that belongs to girls. The absence of an apostrophe is also attributed to the fact that noun adjuncts are generally singular, which would suggest forms like "girl basketball" or "boy soccer," which are rarely used.
However, the use of "girls" and "boys" without an apostrophe can be a subject of debate. Some argue that the absence of an apostrophe implies plural possession, which is typically indicated by an apostrophe, as in "girls' basketball" or "boys' soccer." This argument is based on the idea that the sport is possessed or played by a group of girls or boys, requiring the plural possessive form.
It's worth noting that the use of apostrophes in these phrases may vary depending on specific style guides or personal preferences. Some publications may choose to use "girls' basketball" or "boys' soccer" to emphasize the possession or association of the sport with the group. Ultimately, the choice between using "girls/boys" or "girls'/boys'" depends on the context, style guide, and the intention of the writer or publication.
To illustrate the distinction, consider the phrase "Biff Tannen picked up the girl's/girls' basketball and chucked it across the street." In this context, "girl's basketball" would be correct if only one girl owned the basketball, whereas "girls' basketball" would imply that the basketball belonged to a group of girls.
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The difference between possessive and plural nouns
When discussing sports teams, the difference between possessive and plural nouns can be confusing. For example, consider the phrase "girls basketball team". Here, the word "girls" is a plural noun used as a noun adjunct, modifying the noun "team". It simply describes the group of people who make up the team, indicating that they are female. There is no ownership or possession implied, so no apostrophe is needed. This is the standard usage in AP style.
On the other hand, consider the phrase "the girls' basketball team". In this case, the apostrophe indicates possession or ownership. The basketball team belongs to the girls, implying that they are the owners or primary users of the team. This usage is common when referring to a specific team or group, such as "the Institution X Girls' Basketball Team".
The confusion arises because the words “men” and “women” are inherently plural, while “boy” and “girl” are singular and require an "s" to become plural. When we say "men's basketball" or "women's basketball", we are using a possessive form to indicate that the sport is played by men or women. This possessive construction is necessary because "mens" and "womens" are not valid words.
However, when we say "girls basketball", it is not necessarily implying possession or ownership of the sport by girls. It is simply a descriptive term to indicate that the team is composed of female players. The absence of an apostrophe signifies that "girls" is a plural noun used adjectivally, not possessively.
In summary, the key distinction is between plural nouns and possessive nouns. Plural nouns describe a quantity or number, indicating more than one. Possessive nouns, on the other hand, indicate ownership, relationship, or connection between two nouns. The apostrophe is the crucial indicator of possession or ownership, and its presence or absence helps differentiate between plural and possessive forms.
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Frequently asked questions
“Girls basketball” is the most commonly used form, and the one that is considered correct in AP style. "Girls' basketball" is also used by some publications, but “girl's basketball” is generally only used when referring to a basketball belonging to a single girl.
The words "girls" and "women" are used as noun adjuncts (a noun modifying another noun) in this context, rather than as possessive nouns. This is why we say "women's basketball" but "girls basketball".
Yes, "girls basketball" refers to the sport of basketball played by girls, while "girls' basketball" could refer to a basketball belonging to a group of girls.
