Grammar Tip: Pluralizing Proper Nouns
When pluralizing proper nouns, you should generally add the letter “s” to the end of the word. Do not use an apostrophe unless you want to indicate possession.
Ex: The Sextons live across the street. NOT: The Sexton’s live across the street.
Ex: The Batemans will attend the party. NOT: The Bateman’s will attend the party.
If the proper noun ends in s, sh, x, z, or ch (as in Lynch, not as in Bach) add the letters –es to pluralize.
Ex: The Rodriguezes are traveling to Italy this summer.
Ex: The Leaches brought their newborn home from the hospital.
Ex: In my math class there are three Jameses and two Lizes.
If, however, the proper noun ends in an “s” with a hard “z” sound, like Chambers or Hodges, keep it exactly the same even when you pluralize it.
Ex: The Addams are coming over for dinner. NOT: The Addamses are coming over for dinner.
There are, of course, always exceptions. For example, we keep up with the Joneses, not the Jones, so when in doubt, use your best judgment, or post a question to the comments!
