To write a plural letter grade, you generally add an apostrophe and an 's' to the single capital letter. This convention ensures clarity and is widely accepted across various style guides.
The Standard Rule for Pluralizing Letter Grades
When referring to multiple instances of a specific letter grade, the standard practice is to use an apostrophe followed by an 's' (e.g., A's, B's, C's). This method prevents confusion, especially for single letters that could form common words if only an 's' were added (e.g., "As" versus "A's", or "Is" versus "I's").
Why the Apostrophe is Essential
The apostrophe serves as a visual cue, indicating that the 's' is not part of the original letter but rather a marker of plurality. Without it, some pluralized letters could be misread, leading to momentary hesitation or misinterpretation. For example, "As" is a common word, but "A's" clearly denotes multiple instances of the letter "A."
Examples of Plural Letter Grades
Here are some common examples of plural letter grades in sentences:
- A's: She consistently earns A's in her science classes.
- B's: The class averaged mostly B's on the midterm exam.
- C's: Despite their effort, many students received C's this semester.
- D's: He was concerned about getting too many D's on his progress report.
- F's: The notoriously difficult course resulted in several F's.
Style Guide Consensus
This rule for pluralizing single letters, including letter grades, is consistently recommended by major style guides, ensuring uniform and clear communication in academic and professional writing.
- The Chicago Manual of Style: Recommends adding an apostrophe and an 's' to form the plural of a single letter to avoid ambiguity. Learn more about apostrophe usage.
- Associated Press (AP) Stylebook: Also advises using 's to pluralize a single letter. Explore AP Style guidelines on apostrophes and plurals.
- Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL): A widely respected resource for academic writing, Purdue OWL affirms this practice across various style guidelines. Consult Purdue OWL for apostrophe usage.
Quick Reference Table: Singular vs. Plural Letter Grades
| Singular Letter Grade | Plural Letter Grade | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| A | A's | She earned straight A's last semester. |
| B | B's | His report card showed mostly B's and a few C's. |
| C | C's | The teacher noted a significant number of C's. |
| D | D's | Avoiding D's requires consistent effort. |
| F | F's | Unfortunately, the exam resulted in several F's. |
Practical Insights for Clear Communication
- Consistency is Key: Always apply the apostrophe when pluralizing single letter grades to maintain clarity and adhere to standard English conventions.
- Avoid Ambiguity: The apostrophe prevents readers from mistaking a plural letter for a common word, enhancing readability.
- Academic and Professional Use: This rule is standard in academic papers, professional reports, and educational contexts.
By following this simple rule, you can ensure your written communication regarding letter grades is always precise and professional.
