Over time, I have discovered that many Nigerians struggle with how and when to make use of an apostrophe. For most people, that is the most difficult punctuation mark as we shall soon find out. Generally, an apostrophe is used in showing possession or omission, however it is in showing possession that most people become confused about how to untie this seeming gordian knot. Let us get down to brass tacks immediately.
So, instead of saying— The book of Chinedu, we say Chinedu’s book to indicate possession.
1a. Chinedu’s book✔
Here, Chinedu is a single individual.
However, where Chinedu is a family name, the apostrophe shifts thus—–
1b. The Chinedus’ book✔
Here, Chinedu is a family name so the apostrophe comes after the “s” and not before it.
However, it becomes a little bit more tricky as we progress. What happens with individual names that end in “s”? the rule is that if it is a name you will pronounce with an extra “s”, add an extra “s”, however, if it is a name you will not pronounce with an extra “s”, omit the “s”.
2a. Thomas’s book✔
Some people say — Thomas’ book is also correct. I use 2a though.
2b. Bridges’ book✔
Here, Bridges is the name and you won’t render it with an extra ‘s’ when pronouncing it, thus Bridges’s ❌
2c. Sanchez’s book✔
If the name ends in a “z”, add an apostrophe, then an “s”.
If the name however is the name of a public place or an institution, you add an apostrophe after the “s” with no extra “s”. Thus—-
2d. Saint Bridges’ hospital✔
2e. Saint Thomas’ parish✔
Now, it gets more complicated as we proceed, what happens with family names that end in “s” or “z”? The rule is— add an “es” to make it plural then add the apostrophe.
3a. The Thomases’ car✔
3b. The Fernandezes’ home✔
3c. The Hastingses’ land✔
The rule is to be followed no matter how awkward the result.
It still gets more complicated as we move on. What happens with classical and biblical names? By classical, I mean Roman and Greek names of anitiquity, the rule is—- mention the name with an apostrophe, but do not add an extra “s”. So
4a. Jesus’s miracles❌
4b. Jesus’ miracles✔
5a. Moses’s rod❌
5b. Moses’ rod✔
6a. Socrates’s philosophy❌
6b. Socrates’ philosophy✔
However, if the classical name is a one syllable name, we revert back to the rule in Thomas’s by adding an apostrophe after the “s”.
7a. Zeus’ image❌
7b. Zeus’s image✔If you found this post helpful, kindly share.
My name is Neydu Wordsmith