Andy Adcock
Worst person on Birdforum
Yes, Andy, you've hit exactly on the difference between a simple plural and a possessive plural, for " Pears' " isn't a simple plural, it's a possessive plural, which as you say indicates 'belonging to'.
I always look for any possessive indication while writing or reading so that I can sort out in my mind which it might be. With practice, it becomes automatic.
MJB
If we take another example e.g the family name Smith, Smiths' bakery would indicate that there is more than one family member in the business called Smith as opposed to Smith's yes?
A