On 21/12/2016 11:19, Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
In article ,
Bob Eager wrote:
Or put another way, the apostrophe in the first sentence is unnecessary
for normal grammar rules. "i's" is neither possessive nor an
abbreviation, so one wouldn't normally use one there. Compare to "How
many bears are there in Alaska?" - you wouldn't write "bear's". However
putting one in helps clarity. Thus adding the apostrophe where not
appropriate helps clarity.

Exactly.

I'd say even most kids would know the plural of bear is bears.

I'd love an example that really does clarify it's a plural. As the 'are'
in the sentence does that anyway.


Hmm?
The answer is brown bear, polar bear, grizzle bear, etc.

to "How many bear are there in Alaska?" without the s.

(PS I know some of them aren't in Alaska.)