[Grammar] Correct use of Apostrophe s in a concrete example

[Baldrick]

Hello,

Is the use of apostrophe s in the sentence below correct or not?

"The plot of the film was quite different to the book's"

When I came up with this sentence for a book report, I thought it would be alright as I figured that "the book's" refers to "the plot of the book".

But when I checked on the internet I couldn't really find another example
where apostrophe s is used in this way. What's the general rule for sentences like this?

 

[Raymott]

Hello,

Is the use of apostrophe s in the sentence below correct or not?

"The plot of the film was quite different to the book's"

When I came up with this sentence for a book report, I thought it would be alright as I figured that "the book's" refers to "the plot of the book".

But when I checked on the internet I couldn't really find another example
where apostrophe s is used in this way. What's the general rule for sentences like this?

Yes it makes sense.
I'd write, "The plot of the film was quite different from that of the book." And I think most teachers would rather read this. But I wouldn't call your sentence wrong. As you say, it uses ellipsis.

You might find the recent threads on "different to/from/than" interesting.

 

[Baldrick]

Yes it makes sense.
I'd write, "The plot of the film was quite different from that of the book." And I think most teachers would rather read this. But I wouldn't call your sentence wrong. As you say, it uses ellipsis.

Glad to know that it's acceptable.

Nevertheless, I'll try to use the phrasing that you suggested from now on.

You might find the recent threads on "different to/from/than" interesting.

Thanks for the tip!:up:
I've been meaning to dig a little deeper into that matter.