1. nacht

    nacht New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2009
    Messages:
    64
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Batavia, Ohio; U.S.A.

    Quick question...

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by nacht, Dec 31, 2009.

    Alright, I'm talking to someone in IM, and I notice something...

    "I'm going to my bro Cody's aunt/uncles' house"

    The apostrophe after "uncle", which follows an "s". Is that correct? Since I am talking about two people? Or would it be "aunt's and uncle's house"?
     
  2. Wreybies

    Wreybies Thrice Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 1, 2008
    Messages:
    23,826
    Likes Received:
    20,818
    Location:
    El Tembloroso Caribe
    I would be tempted to write, "aunt and uncle's house," with the apostrophe only on the word uncle since aunt and uncle comprises a noun phrase.

    I am not 100% on this though as the entire construction of the sentence is a bit convoluted.
     
  3. marina

    marina Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2008
    Messages:
    1,275
    Likes Received:
    55
    Location:
    Seattle
    I just researched this using a university editorial style guide and the Chicago Manual of Style.

    Wrey, of course :D, is right. Since it's the house of both the aunt and uncle, you use an apostrophe on the second noun:

    "my aunt and uncle's house"

    However, if we're talking about different entities owned by the aunt and uncle, we'd need an apostrophe for each noun:

    "my aunt's and uncle's specific talents"
     
  4. TedR

    TedR New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2009
    Messages:
    12
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    Fargo, ND
    They could avoid the whole problem by just saying "relative's house."

    Oh, sweet sweet simplification. I guess that doesn't answer your question very well, though.
     
  5. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    nacht...
    the apostrophe must go before the 's' [unless your aunt has more than one husband! ;-) ]
     
  6. nacht

    nacht New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2009
    Messages:
    64
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Batavia, Ohio; U.S.A.
    uhh... lol thanks for the help. Before the 's' was what I was after, :p

    I know, I know, the slash is bad grammar, but that's how I wrote it (shorthand ftw?) It was in a PM so I didn't really care about that... the subject had bothered me for as long as I can remember. Thanks again ^^
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice