1. Nouns ending in S or Z sound:
* For most singular nouns, add an apostrophe and an 's' to form the possessive:
* boss's desk
* witness's statement
* bus's engine
* James's book
* For plural nouns ending in S, add just an apostrophe:
* students' books
* businesses' profits
* classes' schedules
* For plural nouns not ending in S, add an apostrophe and an 's':
* children's toys
* men's clothes
2. The "Awkward Sound" Exception:
* When adding 's' to a singular noun ending in an 's' sound creates an awkward pronunciation (like "boss's"), some people opt for just an apostrophe. However, this is less common and considered more informal.
3. Proper Nouns:
* With proper nouns ending in 's', the traditional rule is to add an apostrophe and an 's', even if it creates an awkward pronunciation. This is especially true for names like Jesus, Charles, and others.
Key Points:
* Clarity is key: Aim for a possessive that's easy to understand and pronounce.
* Usage varies: There is some flexibility in the rules, particularly for words that end in a Z sound.
* Consistency: Choose a style and stick with it within a single piece of writing.
Let me know if you have any specific examples you'd like me to clarify!