For names ending in s, form the possessive either by simply adding an apostrophe (James' books) or by adding an apostrophe as well as another s (Charles's phone). The possessive of a plural name is always formed by adding an apostrophe after the final s (the Smiths' dog, the Harrises' family home).

Is it Chris's or Chris '?

In school, it is common to be taught to write “Chris'” when talking about something that belongs to Chris. When we are talking, we say Chris's when referring to something that belongs to Chris. While both are technically correct, the main difference is in the required style guide.

What is correct James or James's?

The proper convention is to include the possessive apostrophe even when the word ends in an "s." So "James's" is correct. The only exception to that are proper nouns so well established that traditionally they have always been used with just an apostrophe.

When a first name ends in s possessive?

If a proper name ends with an s, you can add just the apostrophe or an apostrophe and an s. See the examples below for an illustration of this type of possessive noun. You're sitting in Chris' chair.

How do you show possession with a last name ending in s?

For names ending in s, form the possessive either by simply adding an apostrophe (James' books) or by adding an apostrophe as well as another s (Charles's phone). The possessive of a plural name is always formed by adding an apostrophe after the final s (the Smiths' dog, the Harrises' family home).

How to use an apostrophe after a name ending with S

22 related questions found

Is it Smiths or Smith's?

The plural of Smith is Smiths. NOT Smith's. And if for some reason the Smiths wanted to use the possessive, they would have to use the plural possessive.

How do you punctuate James's?

For proper names like James, AP says, add an apostrophe only: He borrowed James' car. For generics like boss, add an apostrophe plus S: He borrowed the boss's car.

Which is correct boss's or bosses?

How do we use boss's and boss'? Use boss's as you would use the possessive/genitive form of any singular noun. Never use boss'.

Is it James birthday or James's birthday?

Commentary: both James' birthday and James's birthday are grammatically correct. Remember: it's up to you! Use the version which best matches how you would pronounce it. Use James's if you pronounce it "Jamesiz", but use James' if you pronounce it "James".

How do you show ownership for Chris?

So a name or other singular noun that ends in “s” (like “Chris”) is usually made possessive with the addition of an apostrophe plus a final “s” (as in “Chris's coat”).

Is it Russ or Russ's?

No, the plural of Russ is Russes: There are two Russes in my class. Also: The Russ's car is new.

Is it Thomas's or Thomas?

Both Thomas's or Thomas' are correct. There are several different style guides for writing the English language. When you follow the rules of The Associated Press Stylebook, Thomas' is correct. With all other style guides, Thomas's is correct.

How do you use an apostrophe with contractions?

Use the apostrophe with contractions. The apostrophe is always placed where the letter has been removed. For example couldn't, don't, isn't, you're, she's, it's- which is “it is.” (N.B. This is the contraction, not the possessive. Possessive pronouns don't require an apostrophe.

Where does the apostrophe go in ownership?

An apostrophe is a small punctuation mark ( ' ) placed after a noun to show that the noun owns something. The apostrophe will always be placed either before or after an s at the end of the noun owner. Always the noun owner will be followed (usually immediately) by the thing it owns.

What is the possessive of boss?

Well, the plural of “boss” is “bosses”. B-O-S-S-E-S. And to make the possessive here, we follow the same rules we do for the other plural nouns, and we add an apostrophe at the end. “My bosses' names.” That's B-O-S-S-E-S, apostrophe.

What is Lady plural?

noun, often attributive. la·​dy | \ ˈlā-dē \ plural ladies.

How do you make class possessive?

The word “class's” is the singular possessive form of the word “class.” The plural possessive form of the same word is classes'. Class with a single apostrophe at the end, class', is incorrect. It is not a logical form of the word, despite class ending with an -s.

Is it business or business's?

A. “The business's most valuable assets” is correct because business is singular. (Businesses is the plural of business.)

Which is correct children's or childrens?

“Children's” is the correct way to form the possessive for the word children. Regular English plurals add 'S' to the end of words. You only need to add an apostrophe to avoid a double 'S'.

Do you put s after a name?

Names are pluralized like regular words. Add -es for names ending in "s" or "z" and add -s for everything else. 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).

How do you use an S after a name?

1. Use an apostrophe +"s" ('s) to show that one person/thing owns or is a member of something. Style guides vary when it comes to a name that ends in an "s." Even if the name ends in "s," it's still correct to add another "'s" to create the possessive form.

How do you pluralize a last name?

How to Pluralize Last Names

1. Rule #1: A last name is always written out in its entirety. ...
2. Rule #2: You never need an apostrophe when signing or addressing cards. ...
3. If the name ends in s, z, ch, or sh, add es. ...
4. If the name ends in x, add es—unless the x is silent.

What is the plural form of Harris?

The plural of Harris is Harrises. There is no apostrophe. ... to all the Sharon Harrises in the world.