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.
To form the possessive, add apostrophe + s to the noun. 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.
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'.
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.
It's Lopez's for singular possession (e.g., Lopez's car) and Lopezes' for plural possession (e.g., the Lopezes' house), but you can also use just an apostrophe for singular names ending in 's' or 'z' (e.g., Lopez' car) or rephrase to avoid the issue entirely by saying the Lopez family.
The possessive would be either Davis' (singular) or Davises' (plural), e.g., Tim Davis' car or the Davises' holiday plans.
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”).
Both are correct, although “s's” is preferred. “Marcus's” would be a singular possessive, not a plural. “Marcuses” is plural but not possessive.
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.
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.
The Associated Press Stylebook recommends just an apostrophe: It's Tennessee Williams' best play. But most other authorities endorse 's: Williams's. Williams's means “belonging to Williams.” It is not the plural form of Williams.
One does NOT use an apostrophe to denote plurals: apostrophe denotes possessive. Possessive would be Morris's or Morris' (singular, as if Morris was a forename) or The Morrises' (as if Morris was a family surname and something belonged to all of them.) Try 'The Morris Family', although Morrises would be correct.
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.
What's the possessive of a name ending in “s”? You normally form a possessive noun from a singular noun by adding an apostrophe and an “s,” but there's disagreement about how to form the possessive of a name like “James.” Most style guides recommend adding the apostrophe and “s” like normal: James's.
“Louis'” and “Louis's” are the only two acceptable possessive forms of “Louis.” However, when it comes to choosing which you write with, it's entirely up to you and your personal preference. Make sure you stick to the same style throughout your writing, though.
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'.
Well, technically they are both correct and a matter of style. Generally accepted style is the latter, but the former if it is to be used as a shop or product name.
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.
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.
But many irregular plural nouns like men, women and children, don't end in S. So they have a special rule: To form the possessive, you treat these plurals as if they were singular, adding an apostrophe plus an S: women's shoes, men's department, children's toys.
“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).
You can avoid the problem by saying "The Cruz family"; otherwise, I suggest using "The Cruzes." And if you don't want to avoid the possessive problem with "the Cruz house" (using their name as an attributive noun), you should write "The Cruzes' house" (plural) or "Ralph Cruz's house" (singular).
Davis and its variants are more commonly used as last names in English, Welsh, Scottish, and Irish, but as a first name, it becomes a refreshing, modern take on tradition. A new parent seeking a name to symbolize their eternal love for baby will delight in this Welsh title.
When referring to the house that belongs to the Johnsons, this plural family name gets a possessive apostrophe added to the s, so that it becomes Johnsons'.)