I do quite a few house markers with the folks name on them. Which of these is correct?
"The Shortreeds" or "The Shortreed's" I thought that Shortreeds is plural....and the Shortreed's is possessive. So both could be correct...this is where the Shortreeds live or this is the Shortreed's house.
Yes? No?
What if the name ends in S?
Which would you pick?
Thanks,
Joe,
Makin Chips and Havin Fun!
Posted by Russ McMullin (Member # 5617) on :
On a house marker I would expect it without a possessive apostrophe because, when I think about "The Morrisons" for example, I'm thinking about the family members, not their house or other property.
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Both are correct Joe. Explain the context and let them pick. I find that is one thing that is very important to have clear before you start. I've had clients ask me to change it both ways.
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
Kill that apostrophe, it's a catastrophe!
Posted by Steve Purcell (Member # 1140) on :
Hey Joe!
You are correct. It has become a matter of personal preference.
Most people prefer The Shortreed's (possessive) over The Shortreeds (plural).
I always ask the customer's preference.
If the name ends in the letter s, then it is equally correct to use The Jones', or, The Jones's, though I personally prefer the former.
Posted by Steve Shortreed (Member # 436) on :
Ummmmm....What are you up to Joe? It's a great question with lots of options. I like to include the home's address (144) in an oval or similar panel and just use the last name. In this case Shortreed.
Another option is including the first names. Steve & Barb Shortreed.
The Shortreed Family is a third option. All 3 get rid of the extra s problem. Now is is Meyer or Meyers?
Posted by Joe Endicott (Member # 628) on :
We have always simply put "Endicott" No 's'
Posted by Jeff Ogden (Member # 3184) on :
I have always preferred just the name, no "s" too. With a house number of course. But it's a personal choice thing ultimately, and could go any way the customer wants. As far as the esses go...I like no apostrophe I guess.
Posted by Frank Smith (Member # 146) on :
While it's easier to have no "s" and no apostrophe, I think it's worth tangling with the choice because of the "The" that precedes the name. The "The" is one of the most esthetically pleasing words there is. If you're not feeling creative, you can always use Vector Art's "The"s.
Of course, every sign is different and I don't argue with the client if they're sure of their grammar; it's their sign. I just make sure they're sure.
Frank
Posted by Ian Stewart-Koster (Member # 3500) on :
We have neighbours whose surname is "Wood".
The number of people who name them Woods is amazing, and understandable, even when there is only one of them.
Posted by Frank Magoo (Member # 3950) on :
Mine says "Beware of Dog"; no "s's" or "apostrophe"...then house number...
I think most will find plural more accepted, like already said, it's about who's living there, vs., who owns it, if that be the case, most would have to be a bank's name...also point to make is in light of today's, shall we say, climate? It would be wise to eliminate habit of using last name, identity theft is abounding all over and why make it easier for them to target you? I'd use something like; "Casa de shoot first"......... Posted by David Harding (Member # 108) on :
For a short read on Shortreed:
The apostrophe denotes possession, not plurality. The plural form of Shortreed is Shortreeds. If your intention is to show that the Shortreed family lives here, the correct reading of the sign would be The Shortreeds.
If you are going to add an apostrophe to make the sign say The Shortreed’s, you need to finish the thought you have started and make it The Shortreed’s House, however, that denotes only one Shortreed. To be truly accurate, you would have to move the apostrophe to say The Shortreeds’ House, which would be a possessive plural.
Posted by Ray Rheaume (Member # 3794) on :
The Shortreeds'
Posted by Catharine C. Kennedy (Member # 4459) on :
Definitely get a copy of the great book: "Eats, Shoots, and Leaves"!!!!!
Posted by Ian Stewart-Koster (Member # 3500) on :
That's all about Wombats, Catharine!
(well-explained esses, David!)
[ January 30, 2006, 07:31 AM: Message edited by: Ian Stewart-Koster ]
Posted by Bruce Williams (Member # 691) on :
Shortreed's: Belongs to Shortreed. Shortreeds: More than one Shortreed (plural). Shortreeds': Belongs to the Shortreeds.
ESL: English as a Second Language.
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
Easily defined....
Posted by Bobbie Rochow (Member # 3341) on :
We do a lot of rocks for yards with names on them & explain this all to them, but most want the apostrophe before the s.
Posted by Bruce Williams (Member # 691) on :
"We do a lot of rocks for yards with names on them & explain this all to them, but most want the apostrophe before the s." ----------------- For a single owner, it's OK; Shortreed's yard rock. If it's a "they" and they want plural-possessive, one must adopt a a shoolmarm posture. If they know better and just want to be cute, then one must assess one's capacity for cuteness.
Posted by Lotti Prokott (Member # 2684) on :
While most customers initially think of putting "The Miller's" on their sign, I find that with some explanation most allow me to change this to "Miller" or "The Millers" which is grammatically correct. The first version is incorrect if they mean to say,"the Miller family" (which is amost always the case).
Posted by Sheila Ferrell (Member # 3741) on :
LOL MS. CAT!! I was married to that guy . . . . . .
Dittos on the main question . . .
customers usually specify . . . or get asked to decide.
I too prefer just the last name . . . but if they want a 'The' before the surname, you can't say 'The Smith' . . . unless you add the word family . . . Sheesh . . . now we're getting into all kind's of ways to approach it, ey?
Anyway, they have to make the decision on how it will be pluralized. They only get two choices -with or without the apostrophe . . . narrows it down pretty well... Posted by Mark Smith (Member # 298) on :
From looking at the site Mark Smith linked us to, one example that was in the "abuse" catagory:
PARKING FOR CUSTOMERS ONLY VIOLATORS TOWED
I don't know how many of those signs I have made, tons of them, and they are wrong? eeek!
So they are saying it should be:
PARKING FOR CUSTOMERS' ONLY VIOLATORS' TOWED
I want a second opinion!
[ January 30, 2006, 05:13 PM: Message edited by: Dave Draper ]
Posted by David Harding (Member # 108) on :
Dave,
The second opinion is:
The apostrophe abuse is the part where they didn't put it in: TOWED AWAY AT OWNERS EXPENSE.
Since it is a possessive statement, that part should read: TOWED AWAY AT OWNER'S EXPENSE.
The first section of the sign you referred to is correct.
Posted by Russ McMullin (Member # 5617) on :
quote:Originally posted by Dave Draper: So they are saying it should be:
PARKING FOR CUSTOMERS' ONLY VIOLATORS' TOWED
Both apostrophes are incorrectly placed above. It was correct the first time.
Posted by Dave Draper (Member # 102) on :
whew, ok I'm safe
Posted by Patrick Whatley (Member # 2008) on :
Just make sure you use an apostrophe and not a foot mark or you'll be severely beaten.
Posted by David Harding (Member # 108) on :
Patrick,
I needed that laugh. Now, go back to your room!
Posted by Bruce Williams (Member # 691) on :
Russ is right: No apostrophes in that blurb. If you write
PARKING FOR CUSTOMERS' ONLY VIOLATORS' TOWED
that implies something like customers' cars and violators' cars. A dumb parking sign is no place for subtleties. And when you use vinyl, the less punctuation you can get away with, the easier.
Posted by Ray Rheaume (Member # 3794) on :
If you are identifying the owners of the property in the plural (both Barb & Steve)....The Shortreeds. No possesive apostrophy.
If you are identifying the property THEY own...The Shortreeds'. It identifies that more than one owns the home and is possesive.
Shortreed's is possesive, but only as a singular. Steve or Barbs...not both.
If you are trying to save paint and time...Shortreed....no THE. Rapid
Posted by Jason Davie (Member # 2172) on :
Is this sign done yet? Hey with or without the ' Im sure steve will be happy with his new sign
hehe Jason D
Posted by Karen Wunch (Member # 3577) on :
*falls on the floor ... laughing*
..."Shortreed's is possesive, but only as a singular. Steve or Barbs...not both."....
Uhh, that would be Steve's or Barb's...actually.
Listen! Tell them an apostrophe costs $10 extra and an apostrophe plus a "s" costs $20 extra.
The "short" list? LOL:
Steve's {something} Barb's {something} Steve Shortreed's {something} Barb Shortreed's {something} The Family Shortreed (nothing more) The Shortreed Family (nothing more} The Shortreeds' Home {nothing more} The Shorteed Homestead {nothing more} The Shortreeds {nothing more}
Uhh, now...what WAS the question?
It's all confusin' all ya'll's posted coz posting's so fun and all; but right is right and all ya'll needs is the right apostrophication.
Ask me, because as a WUNCH, I know...how to pluralize it AND possesive it.
There ain't no plurals in MY singular unit, but if so, it'd be The Wunches' Home ... plural and possessive.
Like I said before... it's ... *falls on the floor ... laughing*
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