The Proper Use of 'The Smiths' vs. 'The Smith's'

Learn when to use 'the Smiths' versus 'the Smith's' in this quick grammar tutorial.

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When referring to a family collectively by their last name, use 'the Smiths' without an apostrophe. For instance, 'We had dinner with the Smiths.' If showing possession, use 'the Smiths' house.' The singular 'Smith's' indicates something belongs to one person named Smith.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the difference between possessive and plural forms? Possessive forms indicate ownership (e.g., 'the Smith's house'), while plural forms refer to more than one (e.g., 'the Smiths') without ownership.
  2. When do you use an apostrophe with last names? An apostrophe is used in last names to denote ownership, as in 'the Smith's car', but not when referring to a family as a unit, as in 'the Smiths'.
  3. How can I improve my English grammar? Practice regularly through reading, writing, and utilizing grammar resources or online tools to enhance your understanding of English grammar.

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