Strait or straits (Re: buzz = 'fly close to')

[W Brewer]

I live but a stone's throw from the Taiwan Straits. That's my natural
response. A quick glance through some internet maps shows: Taiwan Strait,
Formosa Strait, Stretto di Formosa, Taiwan Haixia. On the other hand, some
names can have <-s>, even if only one channel is involved. <<The Straits>>
could have referred to Gibraltar, Malacca, or Bosporus & the Dardanelles.
Generally, singular predominates: e.g. Bering Strait; except Florida
Straits, once without <-s>, usually with <-s> (probably because it's
L-shaped & involves buku islands/sovereign states).
WB's conclusion:  Authoritative prescription nowadays: When in trouble,
when in doubt, use <strait>, especially if only one narrow passage is
involved, if you don't want to be considered stupid & unable to count.
It'll always be Taiwan Straits to me. I don't care.

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