Thomas’ or Thomas’s?

The choice between “Thomas’” and “Thomas’s” depends on style preference. Some style guides, like AP Style, recommend “Thomas’” for singular names ending in -s. Others, like Chicago Style, prefer “Thomas’s” to show possession clearly. 

Both forms are correct, but consistency is key. If you follow AP, use “Thomas’ book.” If you follow Chicago, write “Thomas’s book.” Always check the style guide you’re using.

What are Possessives?

Possessives show ownership or belonging. In English, we usually add -’s to singular nouns (e.g., John’s book). For plural nouns ending in -s, we typically just add an apostrophe (e.g., students’ desks). However, for singular names ending in -s, there are different style rules.

The Singular Possessive of Thomas

According to the Chicago Manual of Style, the correct form is Thomas’s (e.g., Thomas’s car). However, AP Style prefers Thomas’ (e.g., Thomas’ car). Both are correct, but consistency is key. If you follow a specific style guide, stick to its rule throughout your writing.

Thomas’s (Singular Possessive) According to the Chicago Manual of Style

The Chicago Manual of Style recommends adding -’s to singular names ending in -s to show possession. This means the correct form is Thomas’s (e.g., Thomas’s book). This rule ensures clarity and follows the standard possessive formation for singular nouns.

Thomas’ (Singular Possessive) According to AP Style

The Associated Press (AP) Style omits the extra -s after the apostrophe for singular names ending in -s. According to AP Style, the correct form is Thomas’ (e.g., Thomas’ book). This approach is simpler and commonly used in journalism and news writing.

Consistency is Key

Both Thomas’s and Thomas’ are correct, depending on the style guide you follow. The most important rule is to remain consistent throughout your writing. If you use Chicago Style, stick with Thomas’s. If you use AP Style, continue with Thomas’ in all possessive cases.

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Real-Life Examples: Institutions Using Thomas’s and Thomas’

Different institutions follow different style guides. For example, universities and academic publishers often use Thomas’s because they follow the Chicago Manual of Style (e.g., St. Thomas’s Library). Meanwhile, news organizations like newspapers and magazines use Thomas’, following AP Style (e.g., Thomas’ article in The Times).

Understanding Apostrophe Rules for Possessives

Apostrophe rules for possessives depend on the noun’s form. For singular nouns, add -’s (e.g., dog’s bone). For plural nouns ending in -s, just add an apostrophe (e.g., dogs’ park). For singular names ending in -s, use Thomas’s (Chicago) or Thomas’ (AP) based on the style guide you follow.

Examples of Thomas’s and Thomas’ in Different Scenarios

The use of Thomas’s or Thomas’ depends on the style guide followed. Both forms indicate possession, but one is preferred in formal writing, while the other is common in journalism. Below are two scenarios demonstrating how each form is used in different contexts.

Scenario 1: Thomas’s (Chicago Manual of Style)

In academic and literary writing, the Chicago Manual of Style recommends Thomas’s for clarity. Example: Thomas’s book is on the table. This form follows the standard possessive rule of adding -’s to singular nouns.

Scenario 2: Thomas’ (AP Style)

In journalism and media, AP Style omits the extra -s for names ending in -s. Example: Thomas’ report was published yesterday. This rule simplifies writing and is widely used in newspapers and magazines.

American vs. British English in Possessives

American and British English have slight differences in possessive rules. American English commonly follows Chicago Style, using Thomas’s (e.g., Thomas’s car). British English, however, often prefers Thomas’, similar to AP Style (e.g., Thomas’ car). These variations reflect historical preferences in grammar and punctuation.

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When to Use Possessives and Why They Matter

Possessives help clarify ownership and improve sentence readability. Using the correct possessive form ensures consistency and professionalism in writing. 

For example, Thomas’s idea was brilliant (Chicago Style) or Thomas’ speech was inspiring (AP Style). Choosing the right format depends on your audience and the style guide you follow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is correct: Thomas’s or Thomas’?  

Both are correct; the choice depends on the style guide used.

What does Chicago Style recommend?  

Chicago Style prefers Thomas’s for clarity.

What does AP Style recommend? 

AP Style uses Thomas’ for simplicity.

Is one form more formal than the other? 

Thomas’s is more common in academic writing, while Thomas’ is used in journalism.

Should I be consistent in usage? 

Yes, always follow the same style guide throughout your writing.

Conclusion

Understanding possessives is key to clear and professional writing. While Thomas’s follows traditional grammar rules, Thomas’ is a simpler alternative used in journalism.

Both forms are acceptable, but consistency is essential. Whether you follow Chicago Style or AP Style, choosing one and sticking with it ensures polished and effective writing.