In a previous post, I wrote about Boss’s Day. Why did I write Boss’s Day and not Boss’ Day? Because according to the Associated Press Stylebook, for singular common nouns ending in s you express possession by adding ’s.
Examples: The actress’s voice, the hostess’s invitation
However, if the next word begins with an s, then just add the apostrophe without the s.
Examples: The actress’ smile, the boss’ seat
BUT… for singular proper nouns, use only an apostrophe. (Why do they have to make it so hard?)
Examples: Agnes’ book, my Guinness’ smooth flavor
Exception: St. James’s Palace (Don’t ask—this is why people hate grammar.)
4 comments:
All those rules of grammar are tough to remember. Although, there's one that I've never forgotten: Never use three prepositions in the same sentence unless you are walking through the valley of the shadow of death.
They are tough to remember! That's why it's always a good idea to have a style guide handy. Unless, of course, you're walking through the valley of the shadow of death.
I love this Linda! I hadn't heard of this rule, soooo helpful!
Fantastic!
Are you Lynne Truss mark 2?
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