OT - Punctuation Question

Re: OT - Punctuation Question

Henry Higginbotham

Of the first two, "the Reeses and Sekeraks" is correct, but possibly confusing to anyone unfamiliar with the Rees name. I'd go with your suggestion, "from the Rees and Sekerak families." A bit more formal and far easier to say.

Re: OT - Punctuation Question

Yonak

I agree with Henry : "...the Reeses and Sekeraks" is correct. Any apostrophe is out of order in this case as the intent is plural, not possessive. An apostrophe should never be used to denote a plural, although it should be used in a plural possessive. The apostrophe is the most over-used and improperly used punctuation mark.

Re: OT - Punctuation Question

Clementine

Are you looking for the grammatically correct form ("the Reeses and Sekeraks")? A bit awkward, to be sure. Try this test: Add a few more names and you get a sense of awkwardness with the correct form: ("the Reeses and Sekeraks and Joneses and Smiths and Garganeses and Phillipses").

Since your project has a sense of formality about it (and dignity), the form "from the Rees and Sekerak families" has a simple, yet dignified ring to it, which I think best befits the occasion.

I like your suggestion...

John in NM

But as far as grammar, the non-apostrophe answer is the right way to wright what they asked for (or more grammatically, that for which they asked. yeah, mom was an english major).

The even more formal way to say it would be "The families Rees and Sekerak", but I like what you plan to suggest better, its formal without sounding antique.

You've got the best idea

Bill Houghton, Sebastopol, CA

I predict that, when you tell them that the grammar authorities you consulted said that "the Reeses and the Sekeraks" is the correct construction if using just the names, every single member of family Rees will vote for your idea. They're probably still recovering from getting compared to chocolate-covered peanut butter treats all through junior high/middle school.

Re: OT - Punctuation Question

chuck wintle

To show the plural of a name that ends with a ch, s, or z sound, add es....this is from the grammar book website.

If it were a segmented bowl....

John in NM

You could call it.... ok, I won't say it, awful joke.

make them write it out and keep the pape

Re: OT - Punctuation Question

Don Stephan

Thanks everyone. It might not come as a surprise when I say English was not my best subject. Sometimes my compositions came back with more red ink than blue.