Business & Technical Writing/Family names plus s

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Expert: - 6/18/2009


Question
In English "s" following a family name preceded by "the" refers to the entire family, e.g., the Obamas or the Smiths, but are there cases where an apostrophe is required as in the Bushs' (or should it simply be "the Bushes". The Chinese surname Li, for example, is the correct form "the Lis" or should we introduce a punctuation to make it clear we are referring to the Li family, not something else.  Am I correct to say that there shouldn't be any punctuation, whatsoever? How about a surname that ends in s?

Answer
John, I think I can help you here, but I'm not qualified to speak about Chinese. I have enough challenges with the English language, believe me.

First, an apostrophe NEVER forms a plural. Never, never, never. So let's put that one to bed first. Apostrophes are for possessives and contractions (e.g., can't, don't, etc.). Therefore, "the Bushes" is correct.

As for a surname that ends in 's,' let's start with "Jones." If we try to keep up with that family, we're trying to keep up with "the Joneses," aren't we? But if we want to refer to their house, then we would say "the Joneses' house." Note the placement of the apostrophe.

My hunch--and that's all that it is, John--is that "the Lis" is correct. But if you want to find out for sure, I recommend talking to a Chinese who speaks and writes fine English.

Please do me a favor and complete the rate-the-expert email you'll receive on the heels of this. Your ratings and, especially, your comments help me do a better job of helping folks like you who ask such interesting questions!

All the best--

Warren

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Warren D. Miller

Expertise

I believe I can answer nearly any question about business writing. That goes in spades if the target audience is a lay readership. I make my living writing and speaking. N.B.: I DO NOT ANSWER QUESTIONS MARKED 'PRIVATE' because I believe that knowledge should be shared, not hoarded. I also believe such questions are likely to be submitted by people trying to cheat. In addition, don't waste your time asking me to write something for you. You don't learn anything if I do that. I'm happy to critique something that YOU write, of course. That's the best way for you to learn how to write well.

Experience

My profession is business valuation, which means appraising businesses whose shares are not publicly traded. This requires in-depth knowledge about a number of disciplines, including economics, finance, strategic management, accounting, anthropology, statistics, and psychology. The left-brain part of me must conduct rigorous research and financial analysis. The right-brain side must then separate what matters from what doesn't and then explain it all in writing (and in everyday English) to people (usually business owners, but sometimes judges and juries) who do not have the expertise that I have been lucky enough to acquire over the years. I love what I do and consider myself fortunate to live in a country where I can do what I love doing and make a nice living doing it. I am glad to help with writing issues, but NOT, please, with any valuation, business consulting, or other non-writing questions.

Organizations
CFA Institute, American Society of Appraisers, Strategic Management Society, Academy of Management, Culver Legion, National Association of Scholars.

Publications
Besides two published books (search for "Warren D. Miller" on Amazon), I have written for the Harvard Business Review, American Fly Fisher, Business Valuation Review, CPA Expert, Academy of Management Executive, CFA Digest, Valuation Strategies, and others.

Education/Credentials
MBA - Oklahoma State U. (1991); BBA - U. of Oklahoma (1975); Chartered Financial Analyst designation (2006) Accredited Senior Appraiser (2006) Certified Public Accountant (1992)

Awards and Honors
Business Valuation Volunteer of the Year (2001) - American Institute of CPAs Winner - Oklahoma Humorous-Speaking Contest - Toastmasters International (1971)

Past/Present Clients
Confidential.

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