Possessive of proper names ending in ‘s’
Style guides vary on adding an extra ‘s’ after the apostrophe, but all have a common aim: to make the message clear for the reader.
Should one write “Jesus’ name” or “Jesus’s name”? Which is correct, “Travis’ friend” or “Travis’s friend”?
The questions on the use of the apostrophe to form the possessive keep coming. 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
When it comes to forming the possessive of a proper name that ends in s, guides disagree.
Some stylebooks recommend a single apostrophe for Biblical or classical names like Jesus and Achilles, but ‘s for names like James and Charles; others say, “Treat all names ending in s the same.”
The Chicago Manual of Style once recommended a single apostrophe to form the possessive of Biblical or classical names:
Moses’ tent
Achilles’ helmet
Jesus’ name
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