1.17.2012

Grammar Lesson Monday: Last Names Plural


Welcome to the first installment of Grammar Lesson Monday!
This continuous series will address many common grammar mistakes made in the media and that I've seen more than once.  I strive to make the world a better place with good grammar.

Today, we will learn how to make family names (aka last names) plural.

My family name would be Chow.  So making it plural is The Chows.
If someone's family name ends with 's,' then you add 'es.'  So, the Jones family becomes The Joneses.  Or, the Davies family becomes The Davieses (yes, sounds weird, but it's proper).
If someone's family name ends with 'y,' you also simply add the 's.'  So, the Berry family becomes The Berrys.  (And not The Berries.)

You do not need an apostrophe to make a family name plural unless you want to show possession.
The Chows' rice cooker
The Joneses' fortune
The Davieses' oak tree
The Berrys' daughter


That's it for today.  Celebrate good grammar!

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