A long, long time ago, I THOUGHT I learned that if something/someone's name ended with an s you should just add the apostrophe and skip adding on another s.
Hence: Dennis' or Travis' or Alexis' or Francis'
That's what I thought. Then Art looked it up and said he read that you have to add 's.
What?!?
He says if it's the plural form of a group like Johnsons or elephants, you would write it with just the apostrophe:
Johnsons' and elephants'
AND if it's a name that ends with an s like ... Dennis, you can add the extra s and make it Dennis's or you can do it with just the apostrophe and no s. You just have to be consistent about it.
OK fine.
Hooowever, he says if it's something or someone that ends with a double s, you have to add the 's. Thus:
dress's color or Jess's or Congress's
Sheesh! I hope I got that right. And I hope I can remember this.
It's actually pretty simple. The possessive of a singular noun adds apostrophe plus S, the possessive of a plural noun just adds the apostrophe. It makes no difference whether the singular noun ends in an S or anything else. If it's a singular it still gets the apostrophe plus S.
ReplyDeleteI always get tripped up on that.
ReplyDeleteSome rules are not as important as others, but it’s good to be aware.
ReplyDeleteThis is one that I often get wrong and also don't like. I never like when it's ' after the word and no s after that. I dunno why? Just bugs me. That's a little thing in life to be bugged by so I'll happily take it. Happy Writing!
ReplyDeleteConsidering how awful many people's grammar is, I will resolve to do my best--but not worry too much about it! :)
ReplyDeleteI say keep it the way you like it! And I agree with you. I always use just an apostrophe after an S. I think otherwise it just looks so messy!
ReplyDeleteI made the mistake of naming one of my kids with a name that ends in a single 's'. I've been confused ever since and I periodically look up the rules like Art did!
ReplyDeleteI like it that you care, but I'm not sure that I do any more. That's all just too fussy.
ReplyDeleteThank you teacher
ReplyDeleteI thought The Jones' like you.
ReplyDeleteNot sure it matters anymore... maybe it should... but don't think it does.
ReplyDeleteI think Magoosh is incorrect. I go with your rules instead.
ReplyDeleteI notice the use of apostrophes. I don't know or follow the rules but it doesn't bother me so no worries that I'll do a post about you the next time you miss an apostrophe.
ReplyDeleteThis is a pet peeve of mine! We've a sign up on a farm, Egg's For Sale!
ReplyDeleteDon't change a thing you do. Too many rules, sheese!
ReplyDeleteInstead of trying to figure it out, I usually rearrange the words so it isn't necessary. I learned something, though. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIf adding ‘s to a noun ending in -s causes the word to sound “messy,” it’s fine to add only the apostrophe. For instance, “Jesus’s disciples” is messy with the “zuz-zuz” sound, so it’s fine to write Jesus’ disciples.” Warriner’s Grammar and Composition
ReplyDeleteIf I saw Dennis written Dennis's I would laugh at the author. I did not know that would be correct.
ReplyDeleteI think I was taught if it ended in s to just add an apostrophe. Looks simpler and cleaner. I don't proofread a medical magazine anymore, so I'm off the hook. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteSometimes you just have to go with your gut as to what looks better!
ReplyDelete