Do you use an apostrophe when referring to a family name ending in Y?

What if you want to show possession with a name that ends in y? Rule: To show singular possession, use the apostrophe and then the s. Example: I petted Mrs. Murphy's cat.

How do you pluralize family names ending in y?

In most cases, you only have to add an s to the end of their entire last name—even if the last letter is y. So the Smith family becomes the Smiths, the Angelo family becomes the Angelos, and the Perry family becomes the Perrys.

How do you address a family name ending in y?

How do you make a name that ends in y plural?

The plural of a proper noun that ends in y is always formed by simply adding an s, whether the y is preceded by a vowel or consonant. This is true of the names of people as well as brand names.

Do you use an apostrophe for a family last name?

Don't use an apostrophe to make your last name plural. Apostrophes can be used to show possession—à la the Smithsʼ house or Tim Johnsonʼs pad— but they don't indicate there's more than one person in your family.

How to use an apostrophe after a name ending with S

How do you write an apostrophe with a family name?

Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide

To show possession using an apostrophe, add 's for individuals (“Smith's car”) and just the apostrophe after the s for plurals (“the Smiths' car,” “the Martinezes' dog”).

How do you pluralize a family last name?

You usually make family names plural by adding an “s” to the end. However, if the name ends in "s," “x,” "z," “ch,” or “sh,” you usually add an “es” instead (but there are exceptions). The plural of “mother-in-law” is “mothers-in-law.”

What is the y suffix rule?

The Y rule: When a root ends in y, change the y to i when adding a suffix (easy + est = easiest; happy + ness = happiness). Exceptions: Keep the y if a vowel comes before it (play + er = player; joy + ful = joyful). Keep the y if adding the suffix -ing (cry + ing = crying; study + ing = studying).

How do you write family names?

The Whole Family's Last Name

To show possession of a whole family: Add -es or -s to write the family's last name in plural form. Add an apostrophe at the end to show possession.

What is the spelling rule for words ending in y?

RULE: If a word ends in -y preceded by a consonant, change the y to -i, then add the suffix. (Also remember that the y is kept then adding -ing.) RULE: If a word ends in y preceded by a vowel, then the y is kept when a suffix is added.

How do you show possession with names ending in y?

Question: How do you show possession for a name that ends in y? Answer: To show singular possession, use the apostrophe and then the s. Example: I petted Mrs. Murphy's cat.

How do you address an envelope with a family last name?

When addressing an entire family use the family's last name preceded by “The.” For example, “The Smiths.” Use professional titles when appropriate. Always use professional titles when addressing members of the clergy, elected officials, doctors or those who have earned their Ph.

What is possessive of Thomas?

The important thing to remember is that Thomas is singular. When you're talking about more than one, you first form that plural by adding -ES. One Thomas, two Thomases. Then, to note that something is owned by more than one Thomas, just take the plural and make it possessive: Thomases'.

How do you write your family name on a Christmas card?

If you are signing a card for the whole family, do not use an apostrophe in your last name. For example, your signature should read “The Johnsons” not “The Johnson's”. In the rare instances where a family name ends with “ch”, “sh”, “s”, “x”, or “z”, then you should add an “es” to the end of the family name.

How do you pluralize a couple's last name?

How do we form the plural of nouns ending in y preceded by a vowel?

6 If the singular noun ends in –y and the letter before the –y is a vowel, simply add an –s to make it plural.

How do you write two family names?

A hyphenated last name is a combined last name of two spouses. A hyphenated last name may also be called a double surname or double-barrelled surname. For example, Sarah Smith marries Adam Jones. A hyphenated last name would be Smith-Jones or Jones-Smith.

Is it the Smiths or Smith's?

All you need is an “s” at the end of the name (Smiths, Johnsons). If you have trouble remembering whether the apostrophe is necessary, think of your message. For instance, if you mean to say, “The Smiths live here,” then you don't need the apostrophe on the sign or that sentence.

How do you write multiple family names?

What is the y vowel rule?

Y is considered to be a vowel if… The word has no other vowel: gym, my. The letter is at the end of a word or syllable: candy, deny, bicycle, acrylic. The letter is in the middle of a syllable: system, borborygmus.

When the suffix y is at the end of a word?

Generalization A suffix is a word part added to the end of a base word that creates a new word used as a different part of speech. The suffix -y usually creates adjectives, and the suffix -ly often creates adverbs.

Why do we change y to i before adding a suffix?

When do we change y to i and when do we keep it? If there is a vowel letter before the y in the base word, we keep the y. So we keep the y in combinations like oy, ey, ay, where the two letters together represent a vowel sound. Otherwise, we change y to i.

How do you write the Jones family?

The Joneses is correct because it indicates more than one member of the family. The Joneses' indicates possession, as in the Joneses' home.

What is the possessive of Williams?

All names ending in s become plural by adding es. Make it the Williamses. To show possession, add just an apostrophe: Williamses'. The house belonging to the Williams family is the Williamses' house.

What is the possessive form of family?

We all belong to a family unit. When one family owns something, we add an apostrophe plus an s. For instance: Our family's dog.