1. Singular Nouns:
* Add 's: If the noun is singular, add 's even if it ends in a vowel.
* Examples:
* Maria's car
* Amelia's hat
* Anya's book
2. Plural Nouns:
* Add 's if the noun is irregular plural:
* Examples:
* Women's rights
* Children's toys
* Add an apostrophe only if the noun is a regular plural ending in -s:
* Examples:
* The students' desks
* The teachers' lounge
Important Considerations:
* Sound: Sometimes, even if the noun is singular, adding an apostrophe and 's might sound awkward. In these cases, it's acceptable to add just an apostrophe:
* Examples:
* For goodness' sake (sounds better than "goodness's sake")
* For conscience' sake (sounds better than "conscience's sake")
* Charles's car (sounds better than "Charles' car")
* Common Names: While proper nouns typically follow these rules, common nouns ending in vowels still follow the general rule:
* Example: The judge's decision (not "judge's decision")
It's Always Best to Sound it Out!
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to see which sounds better when you read it aloud. If you're unsure, check a reliable dictionary or style guide.