at (the) Smiths

[ademoglu]

Hi,

1- Yesterday I stayed at the Smiths.
2- Yesterday I stayed at the Smiths'.
3- Yesterday I stayet at Smiths.

'Smith' is a family name. Which one is OK - with or without apostrophy? Should I use the definite article 'the' as well? I think I should use #2 because it is a family name. :?:

Thanks.

 

[Rover_KE]

#2 is correct.

(Note the correct spelling of 'apostrophe'.)

 

[emsr2d2]

It needs the apostrophe because the meaning is "I stayed at the Smiths' house/flat/mansion/abode". Without the apostrophe, you could say "I stayed with the Smiths". However, while most people would assume that you meant you stayed at their house, you could simply have stayed at the same place as them, but not necessarily at their house.