apostropheless

Apostropheless is an adjective describing text that deliberately omits all apostrophes. The term is a neologism used in discussions of typography, digital writing, and stylistic experimentation to denote a writing style in which the single quote character is not employed.

This approach can arise from design constraints, automated transcription errors, or branding choices. In ordinary prose, most style guides maintain that apostrophes should be used for contractions and possessives, and apostrophe-free writing requires restructuring: contractions are expanded (do not, cannot), and possessives are avoided or expressed with phrases such as the book of the author.

Ambiguity and readability are central concerns. Without apostrophes, readers may misinterpret contractions or possessives, and plural forms of acronyms or abbreviations are sometimes treated inconsistently. Writers who pursue an apostropheless style often rely on longer phrases, clearer syntax, or context to preserve meaning. In some digital or graphic contexts, the effect aims for minimal punctuation or a distinctive aesthetic.

Usage is typically limited to experimental prose, branding, signage, or constrained typographic environments. It is not common in formal writing, but some poets, designers, and writers experiment with apostropheless text to explore rhythm, space, and legibility.