Rachel Adams
Key Member
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2018
- Member Type
- Student or Learner
- Native Language
- Russian
- Home Country
- Georgia
- Current Location
- Georgia
Hello.
Should it be James' book or James's book?
Should it be James' book or James's book?
Thank you. I read that both can be used. What about other names like Jesus, Carlos, Luis, etc? Will both forms be correct too?
Not a teacher
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I was taught the s is written when it's pronounced, so Charles's, Jesus's, boss's, children's, parents'.
Am I correct?
Should it be James' book or James's book?
NOT A TEACHER
Hello, Ms. Adams:
1. Would you write or say "This is Tom book?" Of course, not. You would refer to "Tom's book."
2. Since "James" ends in an "s" sound, you would refer to "Jameses" book. It would sound strange to ask "Do you know where James book is?"
a. But I think that it is accurate to say that most Americans in 2019 write "James' book." Hopefully, they pronounce it as "Jameses." In writing, many people consider the extra "s" as unnecessary clutter. Because I am very old (82 years old), I feel more comfortable following the traditional rule: "This is James's book."
For example, was ''My parents's books'' form ever possible?
...was ''My parents's books'' form ever possible?
:shock: Really?Yes, it's possible (and preferable) now.
Was it common to write an additional 's even when a word was in plural? For example, was ''My parents's books'' form ever possible?
Different styleguides make different recommendations. Some say that classical or religious names don't take the -s. Others recommend writing it. Try to be consistent. If you write Jesus' in one paragraph, don't write Jesus's in the next.I was thinking about first names, Tdol.