Choose from the options lettered A - E the one that most appropriately completes each sentence I am playing host to my ........ this weekend.

Analyze the question: The sentence tests how to form the plural of compound nouns that contain "in-law."

Concept: In compound nouns joined by hyphens, such as mother-in-law, brother-in-law and father-in-law, the main noun takes the plural "s". The words "in-law" stay unchanged. For example:

• mother-in-law → mothers-in-law
• brother-in-law → brothers-in-law
• parent-in-law → parents-in-law

Step-by-step solution:

1. "My ........" needs a plural noun for the people being hosted. The weekend visit most likely involves both of the speaker's spouse's parents.
2. The main noun in the compound is "parent," so the plural "s" goes on "parent," giving parents-in-law.
3. Check each option: • A. parent in-law: singular and missing the first hyphen. Wrong. • B. parents in-laws: hyphen missing and "s" wrongly added to "law." Wrong. • C. parent's in-law: this is a possessive, which makes no sense here. Wrong. • D. parents-in-law: correct plural and correct hyphenation.

Answer: D. parents-in-law

Tip: In hyphenated compounds, pluralize the main noun, which is the first word, and leave the rest alone. Think of "attorneys-general," "passers-by," and "sisters-in-law."