Have you ever cringed at a picture like this?
Today, let's focus on the correct formatting of house door mats that identify the residents. Various mats can go wrong in many ways (see below).
Many homeowners end up with incorrect door mats, probably because that's how the door mat maker did it, or just got it from House warming gift, and they assume it must be right.
Consider a family named Smith residing in a house. How does adding an apostrophe indicate that the family has multiple members? The plural of Smith is Smiths, not Smith's.
And if, for some reason, the Smiths wanted to use a possessive form, they would have to opt for the plural possessive. Saying "the Smith's live here" doesn't make sense. One person is Susan Smith, while two or more individuals with that last name are the Smiths. Thus, the plural possessive would be the Smiths'.
• NO POSSESSIVE: THE SMITHS
• SINGULAR POSSESSIVE: "SUSAN SMITH'S HOUSE"
• PLURAL POSSESSIVE: "THE SMITHS' HOUSE"
Are you following along so far? Dealing with Smiths is straightforward, isn't it?
But what about last names that already end in "s," like Jones? Oh boy, that can be a challenging name to work with, but it doesn't have to be.
• NO POSSESSIVE: THE JONESES
• SINGULAR POSSESSIVE: JOHN JONES' HOUSE
• PLURAL POSSESSIVE: THE JONESES' HOUSE
So remember: For a door mat, you don't need or want any apostrophe. Just the pure plural will suffice. It's a concise way of saying, "The Smiths live here." Now, go out and look at YOUR door mat. It's alright; I'll wait.
Was it done correctly? Do you need to make any changes? If you know anyone who makes custom door mats, you might want to share this post with them.
<This Article is Referred from Grammar Goddess Communication>
