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Post by dannyw on Nov 15, 2010 20:40:01 GMT
I wrote in reply to something that the 'four (of the) Walshes would be going'. My daughter thinks this is wrong. Any thoughts on this? Thanks in advance.
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Post by Verbivore on Nov 15, 2010 21:38:01 GMT
Danny:
Your daughter is wrong; you are correct.
One Walsh, many Walshes.
To cover all bases while we're at it ...
Your toothbrush would be (Danny) Walsh's toothbrush; your home (assuming it is inhabited by multiple members of the Walsh family) would be the Walshes' (or, a little awkward sounding but nonetheless also correct, the Walshes's) home.
Note: The choice of Walshes' or Walshes's is a matter of style more than correctness.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2010 10:26:14 GMT
Marvellous. The very question I joined the forum to ask.
So - am I right in thinking that if a surname ends in 's', ie 'Williams', both 'Mr Williams' lawnmower' or Mr Williams's lawnmower' are correct? This would help settle an argument.
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Post by Dave on Dec 30, 2010 10:38:21 GMT
Welcome, anniebygaslight!
Yes, both are accepted, but for the sake of consistency in your own writing, pick one style and use it throughout your document. However, you'll need to respect the choice of the name of a company or institution that you may be writing about. For instance, if you choose the 's style and if you need to write about Mr Williams's trip to St Thomas' Hospital, you can't override the hospital's choice of their official name not using the extras s.
Which side of the argument are you on?
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Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2010 12:53:17 GMT
I prefer ' Mr Williams' lawnmower' if I'm honest. lol
Many thanks for the swift reply.
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