If I wanted to send it to a family named Davis for example, does it become The Davis's or The Davises, etc and does anyone know where online I can find the English grammar rules for this?
2007-01-01 17:01:45 · 13 answers · asked by elk571 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Other - Education
I don't mean the actual letter or the possessive, I mean in the address on the envelope ie.
The Johnsons <---
123 Anystreet
Anywhere, NY
but w/ a name that ends in s already
2007-01-01 17:08:25 · update #1
Ok, mixed answers...so here's my new addition...I know "Johnsons" is correct b/c I found that on the internet...so if that is correct and has no apostrophe, then y would an apostrophe be correct for Davis? Shouldn't they follow the same rule- either both have or neither does?
2007-01-01 18:38:30 · update #2
Oh, I just love questions like this. What you are asking about is understanding SIngular and Plural Nouns. To change most nouns from singluar to plural all you have to do is add "s". (teacher=teachers) In this case, you are dealing with "possessive" nouns. They can take on the plural AND possessive forms. Use this formula or rule: For a singular noun, add an apostrophe and then s (Morris's coat). For a plural noun that ends with s, add an apostrophe only (doctors' offices; The Evanses' trip, soldiers' uniforms)For a plural noun that does 'not' end in 's', add an apostrophe and s (mice's hole, children's toys, women's dresses). I know it can be confusing, but this is one of those rules that you have to 'memorize' in order to get it right. Finally, if you can't remember the rules - I have done this - THE DAVIS FAMILY......
2007-01-01 17:16:49 · answer #1 · answered by THE SINGER 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Davis Family
That should work! :)
I think 'The Davises' is right, but it looks weird! Definitely not with an apostrophe (The Davis's), as apostrophes are only needed to show ownership or a letter missing. (yes, I'm a teacher!)
2007-01-01 17:03:13 · answer #2 · answered by Mrs C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just add a apostrophe without the s like the Davis'
2007-01-01 17:10:41 · answer #3 · answered by Paca 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Davis' (definitely NOT the Davises). Or you could say The Davis Family...
2007-01-01 17:08:49 · answer #4 · answered by freed 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When addressing envelopes that are intended for the family, I usually address them as The Davis Family or Mr. and Mrs Mark Davis and Family. This hits home for me because ours ends with an s.
2007-01-01 17:12:13 · answer #5 · answered by jigsawinc 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To The Davis Family or Mr (&/or) Mrs Davis & Family.
2007-01-01 17:08:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
dude before me was right: put Davis' as in the apostrophe at the end of the s. no extra letters.
2007-01-01 17:06:54 · answer #7 · answered by phtokhos 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When addressing letters you do NOT you the apostrophe. Apostrophe's are for posessive. Letters to a home are just plural. For instance, the front of a letter could be to the Joneses.
https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/bien-well/fra-eng/orthographe-spelling/nom-name-eng.html
2014-12-21 10:56:46 · answer #8 · answered by Michelle 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when in doubt:
Dear Davis Family,
2007-01-01 17:03:34 · answer #9 · answered by Andrew O 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Davis's, Davis' either one.
2007-01-01 17:03:24 · answer #10 · answered by Brittani♫. 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋