Single Markers Used For Punctuation of Plurals


May I punctuate letters-as-letters and words-as-words in this manner (in lieu of italics)?


The professor said that Joel used too many 'why's, 'like's, and 'whereas's in his essay.


If we're using single markers (quotes) for this purpose, would the word 'whereas' be pluralized as 'whereas's or 'whereas'es? My vote is for 'whereas's (without the 'es' ending. Do you agree)?


And for letters and numbers (using this same method), are the following correct?


His 'y's look like '4's. His 'j's look like 't's.


I don't like this: 4s or 4's


I want to give strong emphasis to the individual letters and individual words (for the plurals) by using this method. Is it a viable alternative? I think the British might employ this technique.


Thanks for your continued support and guidance.




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