To add an 's' to a name ending in 's' (like James or Chris), you generally add an apostrophe and another 's' (James's, Chris's) for singular possession, following major style guides like Chicago and MLA, though just an apostrophe (James', Chris') is also acceptable and sometimes preferred for readability or by other style guides. For plural names (The Joneses), you only add an apostrophe (The Joneses').
If the noun is plural, or already ends in s, just add an apostrophe after the s. For names ending in s, you can either add an apostrophe + s, or just an apostrophe. The first option is more common. When pronouncing a possessive name, we add the sound /z/ to the end of the name.
Both Chris's (apostrophe + s) and Chris' (apostrophe only) are acceptable for the singular possessive of "Chris," depending on the style guide, but Chris's is often preferred for clarity and follows traditional rules, while Chris' is used by some (like AP Style) to avoid the double 's' sound. For consistency, choose one style and stick with it, as both show possession for a single person named Chris.
Difficult family names
Remember the basic rule: don't try to make a plural with an apostrophe. Everyone is trying to keep up with the Joneses (add –es to form the plural). The form Jones's (with an apostrophe) refers to something that one of the Jones family members owns.
Both Lucas's and Lucas' are generally considered correct for the possessive form of the name Lucas, but style guides differ; Lucas's (adding 's) is often preferred for clarity and by some U.S. guides (like MLA), while Lucas' (just an apostrophe) is also common, especially in British English or for classical names, with both being acceptable for singular names ending in 's'.
To show possession using an apostrophe, add 's for individuals (“Smith's car”) and just the apostrophe after the s for plurals (“the Smiths' car,” “the Martinezes' dog”). By convention, names from classical mythology and the Bible ending in s show possession with the apostrophe only (“Jesus' teachings”).
Since there is more than one Lopez, a plural is needed. Because Lopez (singular) ends with z, we follow the rule of adding es to make it plural. Therefore, the invitation is from the Lopezes.
The possessive would be either Davis' (singular) or Davises' (plural), e.g., Tim Davis' car or the Davises' holiday plans.
You could write “Mr. Ross's book” or “Mr. Ross' book.” However, it is the norm today to skip the additional “s” and write “Mr. Ross' book” or “Paris' dog.” This is true with names that end in an “s.” It's not true for names that don't end in an “s,” such as Helen.
Both James' and James's are grammatically correct.
Certain academic writing styles prefer one version over the other, but it doesn't matter which one you use in your regular, written English.
As a corollary to that, a singular noun that ends in 's' could either attract the apostrophe alone or an apostrophe that is succeeded by 's'. This reinforces the appropriateness of: James'/James's wallet, Julius'/Julius's singlet and Thomas'/Thomas's girlfriend.
Possessive nouns are formed from regular nouns by adding an apostrophe followed by an “s,” or, in the case of plural nouns that already end in “s,” by just adding an apostrophe.
Follow these guidelines in forming and using plural words: Most words: Add s: boys, girls, ships, villages. Words ending in CH, S, SH, SS, X and Z: Add es: churches, lenses, parishes, glasses, boxes, buzzes.
Writers often misuse apostrophes when forming plurals and possessives. The basic rule is quite simple: use the apostrophe to indicate possession, not a plural. Exceptions to the rule may seem confusing: hers has no apostrophe, and it's is not possessive.
Both Lucas's and Lucas' are generally considered correct for the possessive form of the name Lucas, but style guides differ; Lucas's (adding 's) is often preferred for clarity and by some U.S. guides (like MLA), while Lucas' (just an apostrophe) is also common, especially in British English or for classical names, with both being acceptable for singular names ending in 's'.
The most common nickname is Dave, which is straightforward and friendly. Other popular diminutives include Davy or Davey, which carry a more youthful quality. Some use the simple and modern-sounding Day or the first initial D as cool, abbreviated alternatives.
When used in words that end with an “s”, the “s” after the apostrophe may be dropped. Whilst both are correct, it is good practice to be consistent. For example: Thomas' (2019) research or Thomas's (2019) research.
When a common noun is plural and ends in s, add only an apostrophe. When proper names end in s (whether singular or plural), add only an apostrophe. Use Lewis University's, the University's or Lewis' when showing possession in a sentence. Never use Lewis's.
Is it Carlos's or Carlos'? Both are acceptable. In the United States, “Carlos' property” (property of Carlos) might be preferred, but “Carlos's property” is also grammatically correct.…
For decades, use '70s (with an apostrophe before the number for the missing "19") for contractions like "the '70s," and use 1970s (no apostrophe) for the full form or as an adjective (e.g., "1970s music"), while 70s (no apostrophe) is a common plural, but avoid 70's as it incorrectly suggests possession or pluralizes the number itself, not the decade.
“The Smiths,” not “The Smith's.” 🖊️You *would* use the possessive if you're inviting someone somewhere. Ex. “You're invited to John Smith's holiday party” or “You're invited to the Smiths' party.” The party belongs to you (you're in possession of it).
For most last names, when making them plural, all you need to do is add an "s". Smith would become the Smiths, and Johnson would become the Johnsons. If your last name already ends in an "s" like "Stevens" or "Adams" all you would need to do is add an "es".