The possessive form of Nicholas can be written as Nicholas’s or Nicholas’, depending on the style guide. Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) and APA Style prefer Nicholas’s, while AP Style uses Nicholas’.
Both forms are correct, but consistency is key in writing. If you are following academic or formal writing, use Nicholas’s. If writing for journalistic purposes, use Nicholas’. Always check the style guide required for your work.
Understanding the Basics of Singular Possessive: Nicholas’s vs. Nicholas’
Singular possessive nouns show ownership. For names ending in “s,” like Nicholas, you can write Nicholas’s or Nicholas’. The choice depends on style guides. Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) and APA Style recommend Nicholas’s, while AP Style prefers Nicholas’.
Both forms are correct, but consistency is important. In academic and formal writing, use Nicholas’s. In news and media, use Nicholas’. Choose one style and stick with it throughout your writing.
Style Guide Rules: Nicholas’s or Nicholas’?
Different style guides have different rules for possessives. Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) and APA Style say to add apostrophe + s (Nicholas’s). AP Style says to use only an apostrophe (Nicholas’). Both are correct, but the choice depends on the writing style.
If you are writing academic papers or books, use Nicholas’s. If writing for news articles or journalism, use Nicholas’. Always follow the same rule in your document for consistency.
1. Chicago Manual of Style and APA Style
- Both Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) and APA Style recommend using Nicholas’s for singular possessive nouns, even if they end in “s.”
- Example: Nicholas’s book is on the table.
2. AP Style
- Associated Press (AP) Style prefers Nicholas’ without the extra “s.”
- Example: Nicholas’ presentation was excellent.
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Consistency in Possessives: Why It’s Important
Maintaining consistency in writing is crucial for clarity. If a document follows Chicago Style, it should consistently use Nicholas’s. If using AP Style, it should consistently use Nicholas’.
| Style Guide | Preferred Possessive Form |
| Chicago Manual of Style | Nicholas’s |
| APA Style | Nicholas’s |
| AP Style | Nicholas’ |
Google Ngram Insights: Nicholas’s vs. Nicholas’
Google Ngram Viewer shows how words are used in books over time. Data suggests that Nicholas’s is more common in modern writing. Academic and formal texts often use Nicholas’s, following Chicago and APA Style.
However, Nicholas’ is still used, especially in journalistic writing. AP Style prefers this shorter form. While both versions are correct, trends show Nicholas’s is growing in popularity. Choosing the right form depends on style guides and audience expectations.
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Apostrophe Rules for Names Ending in “s”
To form possessives of singular nouns ending in “s”:
- Chicago and APA Style: Add apostrophe + s (Nicholas’s).
- AP Style: Add only the apostrophe (Nicholas’).
- Plural possessives: Add only the apostrophe (e.g., The Jones’ house).
Scenario Examples: Using Nicholas’s and Nicholas’
Different writing styles use Nicholas’s or Nicholas’ based on their rules. In academic writing, APA and Chicago Style prefer Nicholas’s, such as Nicholas’s research was published. In business writing, companies using Chicago Style also write Nicholas’s, like Nicholas’s report was approved.
For journalism and news, AP Style uses Nicholas’, such as Nicholas’ statement in the newspaper. Both forms are correct, but choosing the right one depends on style guides and consistency.
1. Academic Writing Example (APA Style)
- Nicholas’s research focuses on linguistics.
2. Business Correspondence Example (Chicago Manual of Style)
- Nicholas’s report was submitted on time.
3. Journalistic Context Example (AP Style)
- Nicholas’ opinion was published in the newspaper.
Practical Tips for Using Nicholas’s and Nicholas’
- Follow the style guide that applies to your writing.
- Be consistent throughout the document.
- Check publisher preferences if writing for an organization.
- Consider readability—some readers prefer Nicholas’s for clarity.
Choosing Between Nicholas and Nicholas’ in Professional Writing
- Academic and book writing: Use Nicholas’s (CMOS, APA).
- News articles and media: Use Nicholas’ (AP Style).
- Business and formal writing: Follow company preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is correct: Nicholas’s or Nicholas’?
Both are correct, but Nicholas’s is preferred in CMOS and APA, while Nicholas’ is used in AP Style.
Is Nicholas outdated?
No, Nicholas’s is still widely used in academic and formal writing.
Can I use Nicholas’ in academic writing?
No, academic writing follows CMOS and APA, which recommend Nicholas’s.
Does pronunciation change with Nicholas’s vs. Nicholas’?
No, both forms are pronounced the same way.
What about possessives for plural names?
For plural names, just add an apostrophe (e.g., The Williams’ house).
Conclusion
The choice between Nicholas’s and Nicholas’ depends on the style guide and context of writing. Chicago and APA Style recommend Nicholas’s, while AP Style prefers Nicholas’.
Consistency is the most important rule—once you choose a style, stick with it throughout your writing. Understanding these rules helps ensure clear, professional, and grammatically correct writing.
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