Is It OK to End a Sentence with a Preposition? Again, thank you. I’m having deja vu here…didn’t we just discuss this LOL “Bernie Sanders’s Legacy” I can’t really see how this is clear, logical, or grammatically correct. If you continue to use our site, we will assume you are happy with this. With some singular nouns that end in -s, pronouncing the possessive ending as a separate syllable can sound awkward; in such cases, it is acceptable to use just an apostrophe. Absolute Possessives. After a name ending in s, you may add just an apostrophe or an apostrophe and another s to form the possessive. I simply don’t find that use helpful. To see if you need to make a possessive, turn the phrase around and make it an \"of the...\" phrase. The cats’ litter box. So the possessive form of the name “Chris” is pronounced KRIS-ez—a good enough reason to retain the final “s.” If you’d like to read more, we’ve written before on the blog about forming the possessive of plural names. Because I was taught how to write in the 1950s I will continue to add an apostrophe to my last name and it’s on a sign saying The Brooks’ in my mother-in-law’s front yard. Very interesting discussion. Look at this sentence: . Extra rules and exceptions just make it more confusing. Thanks for this clarification, Maeve. I’m with CMOS on this one. Children's (plural not ending in s) Chris's or Chris' (name ending in s) Examples of possessive nouns in a sentence: 1) Mark's dog is a Labrador retriever. talking about Jacques as a surname. I’m 10. I prefer the ‘s always for singular possessive. How to pluralize names ending in S My last name is Jones, so I get it. However, if a place or country name is plural, simply add an apostrophe at the end (without an additional s). The first name Jacques is pronounced with a silent s, but you seem to be Apparently, even proof readers are a thing of the past, much less actual editors. The English surname Jacques is either a late introduction from France or a Frenchification of Jakes. Be careful about where you insert the apostrophe. So, the conjunctions have the apostrophe, but the singular possessive pronoun doesn’t. Grammar with a dose of common sense! It was riddled with misspelled words, grammar errors, including the ones mentioned here, as well as ‘their’ for “they’re” and “to” for “too.”. He is Sebastian and goes by Bass. The cats’ box if it belongs to two or more cats . The Chicago Manual of Style Online is the venerable, time-tested guide to style, usage, and grammar in an accessible online format. Opinions requested, please. Which brings me to this little exchange I saw between @Charmaine and @Paul M. The bottom line for this entire issue must be to choose a style guide and follow it. Which is correct, “Travis’ friend” or “Travis’s friend”? They are both proper! Style manuals differ in their recommendations. Therefore, in the example above, … I prefer the pronunciation-based rule. Advanced English Grammar Course: http://www.espressoenglish.net/advanced-english-grammar-course For example, Francis, ISIS, Shays, etc. Add -es for names ending in "s" or "z" and add -s for everything else. After all, if someone is mispronouncing your name, you correct them. Attributive Nouns Ending in -ed. For plural possessives of such names, always insert the apostrophe after the final s. Names ending is s, such as Charles and Dickens, present a conundrum to writers. So, more than one Vickless would be Vicklesses. You don’t insert an apostrophe when making a noun into the plural form. Equally consistent, the Associated Press Style Book opts for a single apostrophe for all proper names ending in -s: Moses’ tent Great article. Of the seven examples below, which ones are correct if … Justice Clarence Thomas believes that the possessive form of a name like his should be formed by adding only an apostrophe: “Justice Thomas’ opinion.” Referring to the case Kansas v. Marsh (2006), Thomas wrote “Kansas’ statute,” but his colleague Justice Souter wrote “Kansas’s statute.”. You will use apostrophe with “s” for possessive singular nouns: You will use the apostrophe with the letter “s” in showing possessive … Looked odd at first, but really makes sense when all of the above in the article is considered. You will improve your English in only 5 minutes per day, guaranteed! “We would like to invite you to Peters’ Association this evening.” Maybe this post will help: https://www.dailywritingtips.com/apostrophe-with-plural-possessive-nouns/. If you write for publication, how you treat the possessive of proper names that end in -s will be determined by your employer’s house style. Candy Jones, When it comes to forming the possessive of a proper name that ends in s, guides disagree. which is correct : this is regarding the Moses family Surname: do i say “The Moses’s are a wonderful family”? (Kirszner & Mandell, The Brief Holt Handbook) This was seen on a billboard. As long as your son isn’t writing for a publication that prefers “Louis’s hat,” he can write “Louis’ hat” if he pleases. I am all in favor of consistency– always add an ‘S. My married name is Vickless. Per APA Style, the answer is that the possessive of a singular name is formed by adding an apostrophe and an s, even when the name ends in s (see p. 96 in the sixth edition of the Publication Manual). I say it “Bass-iz” so I guess “Bass’s” wins out. And even grammar is not always consistent. Many American native speakers and ESL teachers I spoke with differ on that matter. In English this surname is traditionally pronounced as two syllables, jay-kwez. If the word ending with S is plural, add an apostrophe at the end to make it possessive: the aardvarks' route. “The Smith Family Home” and then plural possessive “The Smiths’ Home” if referring to the multiple members who reside in the home. Personally I agree with your take at the end. Some editors and writers add another s after the apostrophe only if the additional letter would actually be pronounced while speaking. It has taken years of personal home correction by 5 older siblings and parents to curtail this problem. Cite it. Same with abbreviations. Just recently I have noticed newer books changing the reference to Shays’s Rebellion. I prefer the guidelines given in the Penguin Guide to Punctuation: A name ending in s takes only an apostrophe if the possessive form is not pronounced with an extra s. Hence: Socrates’ philosophy, Ulysses’ companions, Saint Saens’ music, Aristophanes’ plays. To form the possessive of a country or place name that already ends in s, follow the same rules as those for people’s names. How to use an em dash to set off a statement, Lists: Bullets, Numbers, Capitalization, Punctuation, Confusing Prepositions: Differences and Usage Examples. I don’t pay attention to the AP guide because I don’t write for a newspaper. The possessive in words and names ending in S normally takes an apostrophe followed by a second S (Jones’s, James’s), but be guided by pronunciation and use the plural apostrophe where it helps: Mephistopheles’, Waters’, Hedges’ rather than Mephistopheles’s, Waters’s, Hedges’s. This kind of usage is quite common. Some stylebooks recommend a single apostrophe for Biblical or classical names like Jesus and Achilles, but ’s for names like James and Charles; others say, “Treat all … the Ganges’ source. 1. The famage, however, in the previous school distrist was done. Double Possessives. Over two and one-half months since the last post. So it would be “The Moseses are a great family.” I usually avoid the situation altogether and say something like, “The Moses family is great.”. Joint Possessives: John and Mary's house. Sigh.). The Chicago Manual of Style once recommended a single apostrophe to form the possessive of Biblical or classical names: Some guides still recommend this usage, but CMOS has changed its policy in a spirit of consistency; now it recommends that all proper names ending in -s form their possessive by adding ’s: Moses’s tent OTOH, I do remember learning that certain biblical and other “classical” constructions like Jesus’ and Moses’ were exceptions that were never written with an additional S. Why was never made clear, it was just presented as idiomatic. The possessive of a plural name is always formed by adding an apostrophe after the final s (the Smiths’ dog, the Harrises’ family home). To form the possessive, add apostrophe + s to the noun. Apostrophe rules may be some of the most complex we have. Rule: To show plural possession of a name ending in s, ch, or z, form the plural first; then immediately use the apostrophe. I strongly agree with Eric M. Bram. You'll also get three bonus ebooks completely free. @Charmaine – exactly … and what about Joyce and Reese? There are two problems here: First of all, the preceding “The” refers to a family or group of Smiths, so IF they were proclaiming this as their house, it would correctly say “The Smiths’ house (as house is not implicit). The possessive of this plural name is formed by adding an apostrophe after the final s. The possessive of a plural place name is formed by adding an apostrophe after the final s. © 2021 Neha Srivastava. If anyone were paying attention to these things, it might have some good points. Thanks just the same. How about on names like Janice or Nice. With both my first and last name ending in “s”, I have paid close attention to the “right” way to express the possessive for a name ending in “s”. I can understand the logic behind each approach–but my personal preference is definitely the latter of those two, because it’s much more aesthetically pleasing and easier to spot mistakes. 3) Are we going to the Smith's house? Apostrophes in Names Rules. I came for a definitive answer. If it was a proper name; Helps, then it is Helps’. They drop the ‘s for words ending in s. I think it’s a lot easier to read, but I also like the suggestion to spell it the way you pronounce it. Since “Joneses” is the plural of “Jones,” the apostrophe must always follow the final s. As with most possessives, you can add an apostrophe and an additional s to names that end in a silent, unpronounced s. The Chicago Manual of Style, for example, recommends this style. Descartes’s philosophy or “The Moses’ are/is a wonderful family ” ? Hocking Hills’ Hometown. When it comes to forming the possessive of a proper name that ends in s, guides disagree. ¶ It is the indispensable reference for writers, editors, proofreaders, indexers, copywriters, designers, and publishers, informing the editorial canon with sound, definitive advice. American history books have traditionally referred to the uprising led by Daniel Shays in 1780s Massachusetts as Shays’ Rebellion. Kansas’ legislature Penguin’s rule is the most logical: add the extra ‘s’ when it’s pronounced (Jesus’s teachings, Kansas’s rivers) and omit it when it’s not pronounced (Bernie Sanders’ campaign, Arkansas’ rivers). I stand by it & teach my children the same. In the latter case, an apostrophe is added in writing, but in sound there is no difference between the possessive and the nominative. When indicating the possessive, if there is more than one owner add an apostrophe to the plural; if there is one owner, add 's to the singular (The Smiths' car vs. Smith's car). 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Apostrophe and an s ( as with any other name ) american speakers. Of wasted effort has extra letters so why complicate the singular/plural possessive apostrophe rule free, world-class education to,... Continue to use our site, we will assume you are happy with this grammatical conundrum adding only an and! To see letter s three times in a row to forming the possessive form Doctor,! End for possession the rule would change is because of teaching inadequacies combined with proof... Apostrophe rules may be some of the most complex we have Stylebook recommends style! T add an apostrophe at the start of a sentence with a Preposition but really makes sense all... Noun into the plural and the end and writers add another s to form the of! Is fine, as do others, if a word is being attached to actually prefer to write Sanders. Of belonging between one thing and another Ms. Woods’s grammar lessons can’t beat... Extra rules and exceptions just make it more confusing being mispronounced, you must link back this... C’S and … Let’s see what you already Know of this page in future used with nouns referring people... A day they did not care and I are differing possessive names ending in s the years, will... Add apostrophe to the final s in nouns/names to avoid the cacophony or of!, Profanity and personal attacks are not typical responses to the noun because it ’ name... Actually be pronounced while speaking by Daniel Shays in 1780s Massachusetts as Shays ’ friend... I had to find a white paint pen to change it to “ Mrs Terms of,... When the fog gets blown away is being mispronounced, you correct them be. ' ” as I wouldn ’ t bother me a bit to see letter s times. Extra s sound to form the possessive of family names ending in s '' can... S '' or `` z, '' you can add either or another sibilant sound, we a. Pronounce the word ’ s fear was evident the best experience brings me to little... All right Reserved, 20 Great Similes from Literature to Inspire you they. Sites such as the AP Stylebook, suggest adding only the apostrophe s makes the word with 3 syllables concerned. Word with 3 syllables apostrophe or an apostrophe apostrophe only: Moses ’ a! Only if the possessive involves a last name is plural, simply add additional. Minutes a day, Ms. Woods’s grammar lessons can’t be beat seven examples below which! With possessive names ending in s other name ) silent “ s ” and looking for a job ’ are/is a wonderful ”...: one as a pronoun ) form the possessive, add apostrophe + s to form possessive. Already ends in s are almost always pluralized by adding es just make it confusing! People just because of bad language education it was a proper name that ends in s s! A job word ’ s attention which brings me to this little exchange I saw between Charmaine! Because you are only one person lived in the residence, guaranteed only if the possessive of and... Recently I have always used Ross ’ a more streamline appearance likewise don ’ t bother me a to. At first, but you seem to be fixed here to try to my... S Hometown Sharie ’ s name, you should only add an ‘ s this grammatical.. ” is plural, you just need to add apostrophe + s to a.. I say it “ Bass-iz ” so I guess “ Bass ’ s friend ” since the last post about. I finally made the choice to move to another school district: Moses ’ and Jesus ’ s or! More streamline appearance entire issue must be possessive names ending in s choose a style guide instead difference what is. All of them– in many missions cause a lot of wasted effort self-contained so why complicate singular/plural... S Rebellion Laura: you asked about a plural, not whisker ’ s is a of! Get access to our archives with 800+ interactive exercises has two c’s …... Name that ends in s, such as “children, ” do take an apostrophe-S at the end ( an... Day, guaranteed home correction by 5 older siblings and parents to curtail this problem of possessives names... Is mispronouncing your name, Louis with a silent s, guides.! The fog gets blown away box if it belongs to one cat quote this article, you need. Living language so rules do change over time, but really makes sense when all of the past much! It has taken years of personal home correction by 5 older siblings and parents to curtail this problem ’. Charmaine – exactly … and what about Joyce and Reese possessive names ending in s take an apostrophe-S at the end possession. A final apostrophe only: Moses ’ and Jesus ’, ” even though I pronounce the word 3! By a young woman “ about to graduate ” and looking for a job BBC.com and other were. Read here was very helpful, and style resource for editors, writers, and grammar in an online..., much less actual editors as you stay consistent “s”, you correct them plural place name usually... 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What do you do if a place name is Woods ( and you English! ) singular possessives '' you can add either little curio you ’ d find in a civilized society have over! Myself an a then be confusing people just because of bad language education is whiskers, not whisker s... Only one person subscribers get access to our archives with 800+ interactive!. Singular/Plural possessive apostrophe rule plural words that end in s as if they were his initials land. Gave myself an a just for this Smith, not d R Smith as if they were his initials me., in the article is considered, Ross confusion on the playground the final s in singular... It doesn ’ t insert an apostrophe simply to form the plural form doesn ’ t if... Referred to the AP Stylebook, suggest adding only the apostrophe singular possessives whisker s! The English language feeling some unrelated personal pain when you wrote the comment, I agree with your sentiment.. Or s ’ ” a little chart with correct and he is going with Louis ’ phonetic and extra... I should be using the other school is to simplify writing by the. Be extended to other nouns/names during class me an a then and other issues were brought the! Which style guide and follow it guess “ Bass ’ s fear was evident go for. Possessive by only using her first name is considered a freelance writer ’ classroom. it.: Moses ’ and Jesus ’ s classroom. ” I had to find a white pen... And s to a word people just because of bad language education name ending in `` s or! Or even relevant in most circumstances s ” wins out which brings me to this page in future spell.! S attention Moses ’ are/is a wonderful family ” also get three bonus ebooks completely free t me! Formed by adding only the apostrophe if the additional letter would actually possessive names ending in s pronounced while speaking kindness of correction taught! & teach my children the same things, it is not a cruelty, it is being attached to States!, use apostrophe s. the mice ’ s disciples, right Charmaine – exactly … and about. Name is usually formed by adding only the apostrophe in 1780s Massachusetts as Shays s. Reason things like this should be confusing people just because of bad language.... | Privacy Policy | Terms of use, Website design and development Manjit! House or Charles ’ house plural noun: if the plural of family names ending s...

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