Anonymous Posted 13 years ago
Grammar
Words Ending in S possessive Forms
I was curious as to where people stand on the possessive form of words ending in s.
Some writers will say that the -s after Charles' is not necessary and that adding only the apostrophe (Charles' car) will suffice to show possession. Furthermore, the NYPL Guide also suggests that when a word ends in a double s, we're better off writing its possessive with only an apostrophe: the boss' memo, the witness' statement.
However, many writers insist, however, that we actually hear an "es" sound attached to the possessive forms of these words, so an apostrophe -s is appropriate: boss's memo, witness's statement. If the look of the three s's in a row doesn't bother you, use that construction.
What is your preference? and why?
Some writers will say that the -s after Charles' is not necessary and that adding only the apostrophe (Charles' car) will suffice to show possession. Furthermore, the NYPL Guide also suggests that when a word ends in a double s, we're better off writing its possessive with only an apostrophe: the boss' memo, the witness' statement.
However, many writers insist, however, that we actually hear an "es" sound attached to the possessive forms of these words, so an apostrophe -s is appropriate: boss's memo, witness's statement. If the look of the three s's in a row doesn't bother you, use that construction.
What is your preference? and why?
Top answer
` Like most BE speakers and writers I prefer Charles's car , the boss's memo , Jesus's crucifixion etc. Why? That's the way I speak those phrases, so that's the way I write them.
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Like most BE speakers and writers I prefer Charles's car, the boss's memo, Jesus's crucifixion etc.
Why? That's the way I speak those phrases, so that's the way I write them.
See also the Related forum topics below.
Rover
Like most BE speakers and writers I prefer Charles's car, the boss's memo, Jesus's crucifixion etc.
Why? That's the way I speak those phrases, so that's the way I write them.
See also the Related forum topics below.
Rover
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