As I watch my nemeses Lari Barager of Fox 4 News tonight, I noted she attempted to pronounce the plural of Texas.
This has always confused me.
In referring, for example, to the beaches of Texas . . .
- If you spell it, I think it would be "Texas' beaches" and not "Texas's beaches." I feel pretty comfortable in thinking I'm right about that one.
- If I pronounce it, do I say "Texas beaches" or "Texsuses beaches" (as Lari Barager did tonight)? I think you just simply say "Texas beaches."
But I'm not sure. (Oh, how I so need a certain Blog loving Decatur English teacher to come through right now).
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5.03.2006
Country Grammar
As I watch my nemeses Lari Barager of Fox 4 News tonight, I noted she attempted to pronounce the plural of Texas.
This has always confused me.
In referring, for example, to the beaches of Texas . . .
- If you spell it, I think it would be "Texas' beaches" and not "Texas's beaches." I feel pretty comfortable in thinking I'm right about that one.
- If I pronounce it, do I say "Texas beaches" or "Texsuses beaches" (as Lari Barager did tonight)? I think you just simply say "Texas beaches."
But I'm not sure. (Oh, how I so need a certain Blog loving Decatur English teacher to come through right now).
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14 comments:
"Texas' Beaches", for "Pete's sake."
no it's not. that would be the possessive form of multiple "texa"
We will all lose sleep over this one!
Important stuff!
Yes it is 2:12 AM, if the comment means "beaches belonging to Texas". Since Texas ends in the letter "s", you make it possessive by adding the "'" after the final letter (s), without adding an "s". Of course, you could use Texas as an adjective in describing the beaches (as opposed to "Florida beaches"), and then you wouldn't have to worry about what to do with the possessive "'" at all!! Is that enough grammar lesson for you, Barry? (My mother was an English teacher, and I can even diagram sentences, for crying out loud!)
OK, let's start a "sub blog". Here's the question: What is the most difficult part of grammar for you to grasp?
For me, it's always been "not ending sentences with a preposition."
Example: "What did you do that for?"
Barry,
I believe you are right.
If you ever have a chance to speak with "Lari" by phone or in person -DO NOT make the mistake and pronounce her name "Lori" because she will quickly correct you!
Esta de sonnebitches de Tejas...gringos!
Viva la raza!
I miss the "ho made pies" sign at Matties.
Anon 8:31 - It doesn't matter that the word ends in s. You add 's unless the word is a plural, which "Texas" is not. So if the beaches belong to Texas, then they are Texas's beaches. If someone is named Chris, & Chris owns a car, that's Chris's car, not Chris' car. I agree, though, that the best way is to use Texas as an adjective, & just say "Texas beaches."
Texas Bitches!
Very simple. Add an apostrophe and an additional s in this case. Looks goofy, but is correct. The person whose mom was an english teacher needs to go back to skewl.
Hey 11:25AM
Don't talk about my girlfriend like that. Now that Mattie's is not there she is quite reformed.
Mattie's is gone?!!?
It has been a reeeaaallllly long time since I've driven through Decatur on my way to Norman, OK.
This is important stuff, 6:36..it's the English language that the majority of "English speakers" cannot properly speak or write. You are correct, Barry, it is simply: Texas' beaches, pronounced "Texas" beaches. If a proper noun has more than one syllable and ends in an /ez/ sound, like "Texas" does, then you simply add an apostrophe...one of the many rules of grammar, country or otherwise. By the way Barry, did you realize Country Grammar is also a song by the rapper, Nelly. You're way more hip than you give yourself credit for:)
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