Today’s viewer question may seem simple, but since it involves English grammar and punctuation, you know it’s not. I always say my heart goes out to anyone who has had to learn English as a second language. Honestly, just writing it as a native speaker has been hard enough!
In episode 135 of the Life Writers Vlog, I talk about how to make a noun ending in s possessive.
I first learned the rules of writing as a journalist and followed style guidelines from the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook, but creative writers usually follow the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS).
Today, we explore the differences and outline CMOS’ guidelines, but what’s the key takeaway? Be consistent. Pick a style and stick with it.
I personally still just use the apostrophe—it feels more natural to me, but I may need to change my ways since AP has also updated its recommendations. Oh, well!
Grammar rules may change, but whatever you choose, be consistent.
If you want to test your knowledge of using possessives correctly, check out this Chicago Manual of Style’s quiz.
Regardless of how you make nouns possessive, always remember, the only way to do this wrong is to not do it at all!
Until next time, happy writing, everybody!
Personally, I prefer to leave the post-apostrophe S off when the word ends in S. I usually go to Warriner’s English grammar and composition when I’m checking a grammar rule. While stating that both apostrophe alone and apostrophe plus S are acceptable, and agreeing with Chicago that plural words ending in S take an apostrophe only, Warriner’s uses pronunciation as a guide. For example, if in speaking the possessive out loud you would say “Hughes-es” for Hughes’s, use the S. If you would say “Hughes”, then write Hughes’. I found that guide interesting. Lynne Truss, in Eats, shoots and leaves,… Read more »
I use ‘S for singular nouns and just ‘ for plural nouns.
This s’s is new to my brain. Will take some practice if I decide to make that change.