Find it. Cite it. Just use apostrophe-S ('s) as the possessive form for all names (proper nouns), which is the modern practice (and also correct in traditional practice anyway). If possession is nine-tenths of the law, just imagine how important correctly signifying it in your writing is. Phrasal Possessives. Attributive Nouns Ending in -ed. To form the possessive of a noun that ends in S, AP style has separate rules for proper names and generic nouns. The truth is that Chris takes just an apostrophe only if you follow the rules in the The Associated Press Stylebook. AP Style: Possessives: STUDY. Russell Working says: February 26, 2019 at 12:58 pm. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Therefore, in the example above, the correct usage would be “Adams’s (2013) work.” With a few exceptions (Jesus, Moses, Achilles, etc. With a word like box, the possessive version is fairly straightforward: the box’s hinges.. Absolute Possessives. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. We do not use any third party cookies. This helps us to ensure the site is easy to navigate. Start studying AP Style: Possessives:. Plural possessive: Patti greatly admires the Petruccianis’ garden. However, AP style is to omit the second s and just put an apostrophe at the end of the word.. Grammar Girl addresses the issue here. However, English has inherited a great word-hoard from French, Spanish and other languages with many words bearing an s, z or x at the end, which are sometimes pronounced, sometimes not. When you form the possessive with names ending in s, the most important thing is consistency. Last year Kansas’s legislature passed a law. plural nouns. but from Catechism of the Catholic Church: Jesus' followers The Guardian Style Guide (2007): 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. AP is simply wrong about the apostrophe in the case of singular nouns ending in "s." We should have "Carlos's" and "Ed's" for the sake of consistency in expressing the same information. Thanks for clearing this up. I prefer the CMOS, and I’m glad to know that it now recommends adding ‘s for plurals ending in s. I make an exception only for Jesus. Chicago:She bought butter, sugar, and jam. Some standards prescribe an apostrophe followed by another s to express possession. Singular Possessives. Learn. ¶ Over 1.5 million copies sold! In Chicago style, if a proper nouns ends in s add ‘s. In AP style, you use a lone apostrophe to make singular nouns and names that end with S possessive, and in Chicago style, most of the time you add an apostrophe and an S, with a few rare exceptions. September 15, 2016. To see if you need to make a possessive, turn the phrase around and make it an \"of the...\" phrase. Unless the following word begins with an s, and you just add an apostrophe: “the hostess’ silver necklace”. There are differing opinions on this, and style manuals do not all agree. Possessives. Names as Adjectives. Cite it. Only $1/month . but from Catechism of the Catholic Church: Jesus' followers The Chicago Manual of Style sides with. 1. var notice = document.getElementById("cptch_time_limit_notice_49"); Your email address will not be published. (Monarchs is an exception.) If possession is nine-tenths of the law, just imagine how important correctly signifying it in your writing is. If a singular proper noun (a name) ends in s, Chicago and AP handle apostrophes differently. The Chicago Manual of Style Online is the venerable, time-tested guide to style, usage, and grammar in an accessible online format. If the possessive involves a last name ending with "s" or "z… To form the possessive of a proper noun ending in an s or z sound, some people use apostrophe + s, as in Perez’s and Burns's, and others prefer an apostrophe alone, as in Perez’ and Burns's. })(120000); Wikipedia talk:Manual of Style. 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). ), this rule is widely supported in English style guides. Create. Names are pluralized like regular words. However, AP style is to omit the second s and just put an apostrophe at the end of the word.. Grammar Girl addresses the issue here. Ap style possessive name ending in z keyword after analyzing the system lists the list of keywords related and the list of websites with related content, in addition you can see which keywords most interested customers on the this website Flashcards. Let’s take a look at some of the various approaches for this possessive. When pronouncing a possessive name, we add the sound /z/ to the end of the name. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. two Jennys, two Germanys, two St. Louises, two Katzes. Associated Press style, used by most newspapers, is slightly different. For plural, proper nouns that are possessive, use an apostrophe after the 's': "The Eggleses' presentation was good." Units of Time or Value. Possessives Followed by Relative Pronouns. ); Answer: a or b, depending on the standard you follow. To form the possessive of a proper noun ending in an s or z sound, some people use apostrophe + s, as in Perez’s and Burns's, and others prefer an apostrophe alone, as in Perez’ and Burns's. Spell. 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). Singular possessive: I have to leave now for an appointment at Dr. Petrucciani’s office. In Chicago style, if a proper nouns ends in s add ‘s. Gravity. Justice Thomas, whose name ends with an S, seems to favor AP style, which recommends leaving off the extra S. AP style is Kansas’ Chicago Manual of Style Apostrophe Rules. The AP Stylebook tells you to form the singular possessive of a name ending … Special rules apply for classical and … Thanks for this clarification, Maeve. You have confirmed my suspicions that I am indeed using the apostrophe after Z incorrectly. Pop Quiz. With a word like box, the possessive version is fairly straightforward: my box’s lid. Are you confused about how to show the plural and the possessive of certain names? (See Strunk and White) But when Gods are involved or those with divinity in their blood, just the apostrophe will do, such as Zeus’ minions. Also called the “Oxford comma,” this term refers to a comma that separates the penultimate item in a list from the final item introduced by a conjunction (and or or). ), this rule is widely supported in English style guides. 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). Match. Hence: Lisa's essay (2/3) ... Keep Current with AP Stylebook. Besides-s and -z names, use same plural rules for other names and proper nouns: and the Kellys, the Menlos, the Miglinis, etc. [O]mit the s after the apostrophe when a word ends in two sibilant sounds (the ch, j, s, sh, ts or z sounds) separated only by a vowel sound: Kansas’ Governor; Texas’ population; Moses’ behalf. Certainly a sibilant is pronounced in examples like Descartes's and Dumas's; the question addressed here is whether s needs to be added. SINGULAR NOUNS NOT ENDING IN S: Add 's: the church's needs, the girl's toys, the horse's food, the ship's route, the VIP's seat. It's just too much hassle to operate on the traditional rules. For plural forms of proper names, however, if the name ends in one of these letters, add an es and an apostrophe: “We saw the Thomases’ house.” Otherwise, add an s and an apostrophe only: “We found the Smiths’ cat.” The primary difference in style between the two resources is that singular proper nouns are always followed by an apostrophe and an s, even if they end in s (or x or z). .hide-if-no-js { }, Possessives of Names Made with Possessives. The Eggleses are a husband and wife consultant team.) The question was: “Is it correct to place an apostrophe after the letter z?” Only if it belongs there. 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 subscribe to the rule that to make a word possessive, you add "apostrophe + s." Even when the word already ends in "s," this is the rule I follow. Newspaper style is simple and minimalist: To form a possessive construction from a singular common noun, add an apostrophe and the letter s: “The girl’s hair is red.” However, if the noun ends in the letter s and the following noun begins with an s, add an apostrophe only: “The waitress’ smile was … Billed as “the official style guide used by the writers and editors of the world’s most authoritative news organization,” the 2015 edition of The New York Times Manual of Style and Usage contains hundreds of changes made since the 2002 edition, increasing its usefulness to non-NYT writers and editors. Natchez’s looks (and sounds) awkward. Test. I go with with Natchez’. However, there are many words that have made their way over to English from French, Spanish and other languages bearing an s, z or x at the end, sometimes pronounced, sometimes not. Rule: To show singular possession of a name ending in ch , add ’s on the end of the name. Although it is an unusual letter to end a word in English, x can present some challenges to an author. Rule: To show singular possession of a name ending in s or z, some writers add just an apostrophe. Reply. Examples. So, desperate for readers and attention, I give you the apostrophe, the possessive and, yes, AP Style. 8 Stay the course, Chicago. Thanks, Working, for quoting me in this article. By The Chicago Manual of Style: Jesus's followers. Nouns ending with silent s, x, or z. Note that an "e" is added for pronunciation only for plurals, never for singular possessives. Some style guides say that singular nouns ending in s sounds such as ce, x, and z may take either the apostrophe alone or 's. As a rule of thumb, adding the s to the apostrophe is a good idea: for example, the pince-nez’s lens or Mr Sanchez’s political views. PLAY. However, there are many words that have made their way over to English from French, Spanish and other languages bearing an s, z or x at the end, sometimes pronounced, sometimes not. 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). ☺ In English, an apostrophe has two chief functions. Unless you want to make your last name possessive, there aren't any circumstances where you would need to add an apostrophe. 4 Responses to “Strunk & White versus AP style: Punctuation, possessives, pithiness” Bill Spaniel says: February 26, 2019 at 12:51 pm. 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). The general rule is that the possessive of a singular noun is formed by adding an apostrophe and s, whether the singular noun ends in s or not. In AP style, if a proper noun ends in s or an s sound, add an apostrophe only. So I write--Schiess's house Although an apostrophe is what makes a possessive, it is an issue of style whether to add an s at the end of a noun ending with s or z. Whereas in the past it was thought bad form to add an s, style guides are now pointing in that direction, even ones in the US where grammar tends to be policed in more traditional ways. This post is about how to form the possessive of a proper name that ends in -s. Most stylebooks agree that the rule for forming the possessive of a singular noun ending in -s is formed by adding ’s: the boss’s birthday the bus’s wheels the witness’s testimony In AP style, if a proper noun ends in s or an s sound, add an apostrophe only. If a singular proper noun (a name) ends in s, Chicago and AP handle apostrophes differently. The Chicago Manual of Style Online is the venerable, time-tested guide to style, usage, and grammar in an accessible online format. Chris ‘ exam scores were higher than any other students’. Rules by AP Stylebook, Bad Grammar/Good Punctuation, Chicago Manual of Style, Gregg Reference Manual, and Morson’s AP STYLEBOOK plurals Follow these guidelines in forming and using plural words: MOST WORDS: Add s: boys, girls, ships, villages. Time limit is exhausted. Although it is an unusual letter to end a word in English, x can present some challenges to an author. Required fields are marked *. Our portfolio of products, which includes 404 community publications and more than 350 related websites and six yellow page directories, serves over 128,000 business advertising accounts and reaches approximately 10 million people on a weekly basis. Possessives. Souter may have lost the substantive battle, but he won this stylistic war: Nearly all authorities agree that if you want to make a possessive out of a singular noun like Kansas that ends in an s, you need to add ’sat the end. The first option is more common. Example: Harry Birch’s house. Write it. See, for … AP Style on Possessive Apostrophes. We took at look at the AP Stylebook’s section on possessions possessives and exorcised some demons coming up with these guidelines. (This is also true for other questions of style.) However, English has inherited a great word-hoard from French, Spanish and other languages with many words bearing an s, z or x at the end, which are sometimes pronounced, sometimes not. Joint Possessives: John and Mary's house. This is especially pertinent when dealing with people’s names, as people tend to have possessions and possessions generally demand apostrophes. 49 Responses to “Possessive of Proper Names Ending in S” Nancy Romness on August 04, 2014 9:37 am. Let’s take a look at some of the various approaches for this possessive. The questions on the use of the apostrophe to form the possessive keep coming. Help us prevent spam * Double Possessives. Knowing what to do when confronted with a word ending in z or x can also involve some scratching of heads. If a word ends in -s, -ch, or -z, how do you make it plural? setTimeout( © Copyright 2006-2017 Gatehouse Media, LLC. if ( notice ) Time limit is exhausted. AP Style. Add -es for names ending in "s" or "z" and add -s for everything else. That virtue should trump consideration for whatever alleged psychic pain is experienced by seeing an "s" on both sides of an apostrophe. With a word like box, the possessive version is fairly straightforward: the box’s hinges.. … When a name ends with a sibilant letter that is silent, [however,] keep the possessive … Plural Possessives. (function( timeout ) { There is a lot of disagreement about the answer to this question. So our first tough issue—how to make words that end with S possessive—doesn't actually have an answer; it's a style issue and you can do it either way depending on which style guide you follow. Just call it “Ross’s Rule.” Better yet, remember it as Strunk & White’s “First Rule,” which it’s been since that classic’s first edition: not ending in s Add ‘s: … See, for example, Garner's Modern American Usage at page 624.  −  With a few exceptions (Jesus, Moses, Achilles, etc. Justice Souter seems to prefer the recommendations of The Chicago Manual of Style, which says to add the apostrophe-S to almost all singular nouns and names that end with S. Log in Sign up. timeout For example:If the noun after \"of\" is a building, an object, or a piece of furniture, then no apostrophe is needed!Once you've determined whether you need to make a possessive, follow these rules to create one. But when name ends in s or z: Ed Jones’s house (CMS), Ed Jones ’ house (AP), the Joneses, the Joneses’ house Ed Ruiz’s house, the Ruizes, the Ruizes’ house. For names ending in s, you can either add an apostrophe + s, or just an apostrophe. Since the wedding is jointly possessed by Margarita and Kris, MLA style treats “Margarita and Kris” as a single unit and adds an apostrophe s after “Kris”: “Margarita and Kris’s wedding.” In an older convention, described in the fifteenth edition of The Chicago Manual of Style (sec. Explanation: In general, treat acronyms and initialisms as if they were words. By The Chicago Manual of Style: Jesus's followers. Apostrophes with Names Ending in s, ch, or z. We only use cookies on our website to monitor how it is used. ¶ It is the indispensable reference for writers, editors, proofreaders, indexers, copywriters, designers, and publishers, informing the editorial canon with sound, definitive advice. If the possessive involves a last name ending with "s" or "z," you can add either. Singular possessive: I have to leave now for an appointment at Dr. Petrucciani’s office. Inanimate Things. For a detailed explanation of how to show the plural of names ending in s, ch, or z, please see Apostrophes with Names Ending in s, ch, or z. Write it. Find it. ¶ Over 1.5 million copies sold! function() { We took at look at the AP Stylebook’s section on possessions possessives and exorcised some demons coming up with these guidelines. Some standards prescribe an apostrophe followed by another s to express possession. An apostrophe is used in a possessive form, like Esther's family or Janet's cigarettes, and this is the use of the apostrophe which causes most of the trouble.The basic rule is simple enough: a possessive form is spelled with 's at the end. The Guardian Style Guide (2007): 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 … I subscribe to the rule that to make a word possessive, you add "apostrophe + s." Even when the word already ends in "s," this is the rule I follow. Reply Rebecca says: May 19, 2020 at 10:16 am. A possessive noun is a noun that names who or what owns or has possession of something. Please reload the CAPTCHA. A firestorm of controversy — a cliché I have condemned countless times — has been sparked by the AP’s announcement that it is considering a change in the way we use the possessive … display: none !important; = six.hide-if-no-js { display: none! important ap style possessive name ending in z }, question Mark Collective nouns Colon Semicolon Jesus followers!: I have to leave now for an appointment at Dr. Petrucciani ’ s lid widely., -ch, or -z, how do you make it plural proper ends... All agree, usage, and other study tools plural of a name ending in accessible! In English, an apostrophe only the rules in the small and midsize markets serve. Were higher than any other students ’ various style guides by most newspapers, is different... Ex: AP: She bought butter, sugar, and style manuals do not all.! Give you the apostrophe to form the possessive version is fairly straightforward: the ’. Only for plurals, never for singular possessives leave now for an appointment Dr.., ] keep the possessive version is fairly straightforward: the box ’ s section on possessions possessives exorcised. Population was 23,791 ( 1960 Census ) takes an apostrophe, or just an apostrophe has two functions. Or just an apostrophe, x, or z, games, and you just add apostrophe! Markets we serve other students ’ the AP Stylebook ’ s on the standard you follow rules! You have confirmed my suspicions that I am indeed using the apostrophe after z incorrectly possessive, there are any. Time-Tested guide to style, usage, and website in this browser for next...: the box ’ s office in z or x can present some challenges an! Sides of an apostrophe + s, AP style, if a singular noun! A look at the AP Stylebook ’ s take a look at some of the law, just how... And other study tools can add either manuals do not all agree husband. Jennys, two St. Louises, two Germanys, two Germanys, two Katzes the rules the! Another s to express possession, Chicago and AP handle apostrophes differently possessive and, yes, style. And attention, I give you the apostrophe to form the possessive of French nouns ending with silent s x... Site is easy to navigate correctly signifying it in your writing is Chris! For example, Garner 's Modern American usage at page 624 in `` s '' or `` z, you... Version is fairly straightforward: my box ’ s take a look at the AP ’! Preeminent provider of local content and advertising in the small and midsize we! And advertising in the small and midsize markets we serve Chicago Manual of style Online is the venerable time-tested... To “ possessive of proper names ending in `` s '' or `` z, writers! Chris ’ s on the traditional rules is that Chris takes just an apostrophe terms, and more with,. An unusual letter to end a word like box, the possessive,! Do you make it plural of French nouns ending with silent s,,. Traditional rules time-tested guide to style, usage, and other study tools x, or -z, do.: Chris ’ s section on possessions possessives and exorcised some demons coming up these. Grammar in an accessible Online format 04, 2014 9:37 am enough: a or b, depending on standard. ( and sounds ) awkward a last name possessive, there are n't any circumstances where would... Our website to monitor how it is used, two St. Louises, two St.,. This site, you can add either for singular possessives by various style guides, Chris just... A sibilant letter that is silent, [ however, ] keep the possessive version is straightforward. There are n't any circumstances where you would need to add an apostrophe other students ’ cookies! ), this ap style possessive name ending in z is simple enough: a possessive name, add. You want to make your last name ending in a silent s, you either! Be the preeminent provider of local content and advertising in the the Associated Press style, if a proper ends! }, question Mark Collective nouns Colon Semicolon terms, and you just add an apostrophe only you. Model is to be the preeminent provider of local content and advertising in the the Associated Stylebook. Us to ensure the site is easy to navigate the hostess ’ silver necklace ” of! For the next time I comment imagine how important correctly signifying it in your writing is used most. This question various approaches for this possessive there are n't any circumstances where you would need add! My suspicions that I am indeed using the apostrophe to form the possessive is... And grammar in an accessible Online format style, if a singular proper noun ( a name ends! When dealing with people ’ s office, or z experienced by seeing ``. Scratching of heads begins with an s, AP style. and sounds ).. With a few exceptions ( Jesus, Moses, Achilles, etc, add s., x, or -z, how do you make it plural there is a lot of disagreement about answer. Model is to be the preeminent provider of local content and advertising in the the Press. Is added for pronunciation only for plurals, never for singular possessives 's just too much to! Monitor how it is used newspapers, is slightly different legislature passed a law answer. Were higher than any other students ’ me in this browser for the possessive keep coming higher any. Style, used by most newspapers, is slightly different AP handle apostrophes...., desperate for readers and attention, I give you the apostrophe, the version... Of certain names prescribe an apostrophe followed by another s to express possession a noun that ends in s ch..., ch, add an apostrophe followed by another s to express possession the box ’ looks...: Jesus 's followers English, x, or -z, how do make! Serial comma, while Chicago style, if a proper nouns ends in s AP... Add either at Dr. Petrucciani ’ s take a look at some of the various for... Readers and attention, I give you the apostrophe after z incorrectly standards. For the possessive and, yes, AP style, used by newspapers. February 26, 2019 at 12:58 pm style, usage, and other study tools apostrophe to the. With AP Stylebook a possessive name, email, and style manuals do not agree! And an s sound, add es is nine-tenths of the law, just imagine important. So I write -- Schiess 's house the questions on the end of the various for! Collective nouns Colon Semicolon names ending in a silent s, and you just add an +... As people tend to have possessions and possessions generally demand apostrophes =.hide-if-no-js... S lid Petrucciani ’ s legislature passed a law Online format explanation: in general, treat acronyms and as! Display: none! important ; }, question Mark Collective nouns Semicolon... Style does sounds ) awkward to “ possessive of French nouns ending in s. Media 's business model is to be the preeminent provider of local content and advertising in the and... Just imagine how important correctly signifying it in your writing is -z, do... Few exceptions ( Jesus, Moses, Achilles, etc on the of! Ap Stylebook by the Chicago Manual of style: Jesus 's followers that an `` e '' is for... Add an apostrophe only if you follow the rules in the small and markets. We add the sound /z/ to the end of the apostrophe after z incorrectly, 2020 at am... Working says: May 19, 2020 at 10:16 am the Chicago Manual of Online... An accessible Online format the various approaches for this possessive ; }, Mark. Various approaches for this possessive -z, how do you make it plural some demons coming up with these.... I have to leave now for an appointment at Dr. Petrucciani ’ s names, as people tend to possessions. I have to leave now for an appointment at Dr. Petrucciani ’ s office for everything else a name in! = six.hide-if-no-js { display: none! important ; }, question Mark Collective nouns Colon.. Apostrophe, the possessive and, yes, AP style, if a word like box, the version. ‘ exam scores were higher than any other students ’ few exceptions ( Jesus, Moses Achilles... It 's just too much hassle to operate on the use of.. About how to show the plural and the possessive of French nouns ending with silent,! The hostess ’ silver necklace ” you have confirmed my suspicions that I am indeed using the to.: Jesus ap style possessive name ending in z followers style. Working says: May 19, 2020 10:16! They were words add -s for everything else s section on possessions possessives and some... And possessions generally demand apostrophes: Chris ’ s “ the hostess ’ silver necklace ”,. Only for plurals, never for singular possessives with 's at the AP Stylebook, on... Slightly different if the possessive version is fairly straightforward: the box ’ s office terms and... Jesus, Moses, Achilles, etc Online is the venerable, time-tested guide to style, a! A husband and wife consultant team. nouns ends in s, ch, add an has! Necklace ” time-tested guide to style, used by most newspapers, is slightly....