'Tis the Season

by Cherie Tucker

December 2016

As you prepare to write all the holiday cards and gift tags, here are a couple things to remember.

1. Do not use an apostrophe with an “s” to make your family name plural. Ever.

2. Make your family name plural by

a) Adding an “s” to names ending in a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q, r, t, u, v, w, y.

i. The Astors

ii. The Smiths.

b) Adding an “es” to names ending in s, x, ch, sh, or z.

i The Joneses.

ii The Lennoxes.

3. Do not change the spelling of any names when making them plural.

a) Don’t change the “y” to “i” and add “es” in “Autry”; it’s The Autrys.

b) Don’t change “man” to “men” in Countryman; it’s The Countrymans.

Cherie Tucker, owner of GrammarWorks, has taught writing basics to professionals since 1987, presenting at the PNWA conference.  She currently teaches Practical Grammar for Editors at the University of Washington’s Editing Certification program and edits as well. GrammarWorks@msn.com.