I'd like your opinion on the sic below:

quote:

"Why 2013 is shaping up to be the worst year for woman's (sic) health in modern history."

Once I hear from you, I'll let you know my opinion.

Which woman? I suppose it would be better as "women's health". Or is it intended as some sort of abstract woman? Perhaps a capital W might work if that's what is meant.

Yes, I am sure that's why the sic. It was by a columnist whom I consider to be smarmy, snarky and less than brilliant. So clearly I am biased. However, my take on it was that the "a" was understood. I realize it's usually "women's health," but I think it could also be "a woman's health."

Without full context, it's difficult to say, but I'd suggest it would normally be women's health. That is, the health of women. If the writer were talking about a particular (unnamed, for some reason) woman I'd agree, Kalleh, but I don't think so. The only other construction is the use of woman as some sort of archetype (with or without a capital letter as I mentioned earlier), rather like in the feminist anthem by Helen Reddy "I am Woman". In that case no article would be used.

Ah, well, I guess I am just biased then. I dislike the author, Jonah Goldberg. I wanted to write a response, but I guess I'd be wrong.