ChanteSez … Joint ownership works

‘Tis the season for parties and get-togethers, often thrown by lovely couples, friendly neighbors and office departments.

So how do you indicate that multiple people are throwing a party? Or in other words, how do you show that two people own something together (and not individually)?

You treat the parties throwing the party as a single unit. That means using a single possessive apostrophe before the last person’s name.

Here are some examples:

• I had such a good time and Kim and Duane’s annual Ugly Christmas Sweater and Cookie Swap Party!
• I wish that I’d been given a heads up about Jon and Lilly’s party so that I had time to buy a gift for the hosts.
• The Editorial and Layout departments’ party is happening next week.

Remember, this rule applies for any situation where two or more people “own” something together.

• The trip is to visit his mother and uncle’s house.
• The socks are Keith and Kweli’s.
• The apartment is Wes, Nick and Robert’s.