Quick Answer: James’s or James’?
Both forms can be considered correct, but they belong to different style guides. For most formal writing, academic papers, and books (Chicago Style, MLA, APA), you should add the apostrophe and the s.
However, if you are writing news or journalism (AP Style), you typically add only the apostrophe.
James’s ✅ (Preferred)
James’ ✅ (Acceptable)
Table of Contents
Writing possessives for names that end in the letter s is one of the most debated topics in English grammar. You have a friend named Charles or a boss named Mr. Jones. When you need to talk about their car or their house, do you write Charles’s or simply Charles’? The confusion arises because different style guides offer conflicting advice, leading many people to simply guess. The truth is, the “correct” choice depends entirely on who you are writing for and which style guide you follow.
The General Rule: Add Apostrophe + S
If you are writing an essay, a book, a business letter, or just a text message, the safest and most widely accepted rule is to treat names ending in s exactly like any other name. You add an apostrophe and an s (‘s). This approach is supported by major authorities like The Chicago Manual of Style and the Modern Language Association (MLA). Source-1✅
This rule applies to singular proper nouns. Even though the name ends in s, it is still a singular name. Therefore, Ross becomes Ross’s, just as Bob becomes Bob’s.
The Journalism Exception (AP Style)
If you read a newspaper or a news website, you will notice they do things differently. The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook, which is the bible for journalists, dictates that you should use only an apostrophe for proper names ending in s. Source-2✅
This means in a news article, you would see Chris’ instead of Chris’s. This rule was originally created to save space in printed newspapers. While it is technically “correct” within the context of journalism, it can look confusing or incomplete in other contexts.
- Standard: The class’s teacher. (Common Noun)
- AP Style: Chris’ car. (Proper Noun ending in S)
The Trap of Plural Names (The Joneses)
This is where most people make mistakes. There is a massive difference between a singular name (Mr. Jones) and the whole family (The Joneses). If you are sending a card to the whole family, you must first make the name plural, and then make it possessive.
To make a name ending in s plural, you add -es. You do not use an apostrophe to make a name plural. Never write “The Jones’ are here.” It is “The Joneses are here.”
Once the name is plural (ending in -es), you simply add an apostrophe at the very end. You never add another s after a plural possessive.
- Singular (One person named Jones):
- Mr. Jones’s car is red.
- Plural (The whole family):
- The Joneses’ car is red.
- Incorrect (Common Error):
- The Jones’ car (Implies one person in AP style, or is just wrong for a family).
Biblical and Classical Exceptions
Even style guides that demand ‘s for names like James often make exceptions for ancient, classical, or biblical names. Names like Jesus, Moses, Socrates, or Xerxes often take only an apostrophe, regardless of the style guide used.
This is largely due to tradition and ease of pronunciation. Saying “Moses’s” (Moses-iz) can sound clunky, so “Moses'” is widely accepted across almost all formats.
- Correct: In Jesus’ name.
- Correct: Moses’ tablets.
- Technically Correct but Rare: Jesus’s name.
Let Pronunciation Be Your Guide
If you are not forced to follow a specific style guide (like for a personal blog or a letter), the best rule of thumb is to write it how you say it. This avoids ambiguity for your reader.
If you pronounce the extra syllable at the end of the name when showing possession, write the ‘s. If the name sounds awkward with an extra “iz” sound, you might choose to drop it, but for modern names, we almost always say the extra syllable.
Master Comparison Table
| Name Type | Standard Rule (‘s) | AP Style Rule (‘) | Plural Family Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| James | James’s | James’ | The Jameses’ |
| Chris | Chris’s | Chris’ | The Chrises’ |
| Lucas | Lucas’s | Lucas’ | The Lucases’ |
| Williams | Williams’s | Williams’ | The Williamses’ |
| Jesus | Jesus’ | Jesus’ | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it James’ or James’s?
Both are correct, but James’s is the standard for formal, academic, and general writing. James’ is typically reserved for journalism (AP Style). If you are unsure, use James’s as it matches how the word is pronounced.
What about names ending in Z or X?
Names ending in Z (like Gomez) or X (like Alex) follow the same standard rule. You add ‘s. For example: “Are you going to Alex’s party?” or “This is Gomez’s report.”
How do I write the possessive for a last name like ‘Edwards’?
If speaking about one person named Edwards, write Edwards’s (Standard) or Edwards’ (Journalism). If speaking about the whole family, it becomes The Edwardses’.
Do I use an apostrophe to make a name plural?
No, never. This is a very common mistake known as the “grocer’s apostrophe.” To make a name plural, just add -es if it ends in s. Correct: The Joneses. Wrong: The Jones’.