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Anonymous Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

Article before "double-barrelled name"

Hi,

If I meet two married people with a double-barrelled name. Let's say Jones-Smith. Can I ask:
"Why do you both have A double-barrelled name?"
Or
"Why do you both have THE double-barrelled name?"

It was explained to me that both are correct, but
- "a" is perhaps a bit more natural.
- "the" would mean that it's the last name "Jones-Smith" that puzzles me. If they had different double-barrelled names, I wouldn't be asking the question.
  

Top answer

- "the" would mean that it's the last name "Jones-Smith" that puzzles me. If they had different double-barrelled names, I wouldn't be asking the question. I don't think there is anything to add to this explanation.

— CalifJim

  • - "the" would mean that it's the last name "Jones-Smith" that puzzles me.
  • If they had different double-barrelled names, I wouldn't be asking the question.
  • I don't think there is anything to add to this explanation.
  • It's adequate as it stands.
  • CJ
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3 Answers
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AnonymousIt was explained to me that both are correct, but- "a" is perhaps a bit more natural.- "the" would mean that it's the last name "Jones-Smith" that puzzles me. If they had different double-barrelled names, I wouldn't be asking the question.
I don't think there is anything to add to this explanation. It's adequate as it stands.

CJ
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CalifJimI don't think there is anything to add to this explanation. It's adequate as it stands.
Thank you. You've answered my question (which I didn't really ask properly).
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Unless you know these people well, this is a personal question you might better not ask. Emotion: wink
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