By far, the most lively discussions that arise during my Grammar-for-Grownups seminars involve the amazing apostrophe and its role in pluralizing last names. Let’s see how you do on the same pop quiz I give the participants.

 

Which is grammatically correct? 

 

Merry Christmas from the Humphrey’s

or

Merry Christmas from the Humphreys

 

If you found that question easy to answer, then what about this one?

 

Happy Thanksgiving from the Lowery’s

or

Happy Thanksgiving from the Lowerys

or

Happy Thanksgiving from the Loweries

 

Which one of these is grammatically correct? (The last name is Blinkins.)

 

Happy Holidays from the Blinkins

or 

Happy Holidays from the Blinkins’

or

Happy Holidays from the Blinkins’s

or

Happy Holidays from the Blinkinses

 

Two more.

 

Best wishes from the Marquez’s

or

Best wishes from the Marquezes

 

Thank you from the Carsello’s

or

Thank you from the Carsellos

or

Thank you from the Carselloes

 

This is a popular topic this time of year. Check the blog next Wednesday for the answers. 

 

To customize a keynote or professional development session that will have your audience laughing and learning, contact Mandi Stanley.

Certified Speaking Professional Mandi Stanley works with business leaders who want to boost their professional image by becoming better speakers and writers through interactive high-content keynotes, breakout sessions, workshops, technical writing seminars, and fun proofreading classes. 

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