apostrophe question?

Question

how do you apply an apostrophe to a singular, proper noun with a "s" at the end? for example: the name Jess, is it Jess's book or is it Jess' book?

Answer 1

Technically, if you want to go by the book, it should always be Jess's books. You add the 's no matter what the final consonant of a word. The only exceptions are possessives of ancient proper names ending in -es and -is.

So, basically, if you want to be a grammar nerd, you should add the 's no matter what, though these days it's not required as much as it used to be. You could get away with both ways. Your teachers and professors should know what the official way is and shouldn't penalize you for using it.

Answer 2

Except in the case of Jesus, the apostrophe comes after the final S in the name: Jess' book The Jones' house.

Answer 3

This is often a debatable point.
It would be Mr Jones' book.

But because Jess is a short word and has a vowel sound before the final S, it is more suitable to say Jess's book.
You would also say The Boss's desk.
The lass's skirt
The bus's wheels.
The kiss's softness.

Answer 4

The usual practice is not to include another 's',

So Jess' book, rather than Jess's book.

Answer 5

it is Jess's books unless, there is more then one Jess; then it would me Jesses's book

i am POSITIVE
my English teacher just gave us a full lesson on apostrophes

Answer 6

just the apostrophe [ Jess' book ]

Answer 7

Both ways are proper, but the more commonly accepted way is to leave the extra s off the end. Saves ink and keeps your reader from saying "Jessussussussszz."

Answer 8

Actually both ways are correct, though the s' is sort of falling out of common usage for the 's.