Possessive 's?

Question

If a proper noun ends in s, do we use 's or just add an apostrophe after the last s? As in Stokes' theorem or Stokes's theorem?

Answer 1

From how I understand it, names that end in s get an apostrophe and another s, for example: Marcus's. But since this is the English language, we have to have exceptions to confuse people. :) Ancient names, like Jesus or Odysseus just get an apostrophe after the name without another s.

Answer 2

I think in theory it's either but I prefer Stokes' theorem. It's also to do with pronunciation: we say James's cat because it's said 'jameses cat', so here it should actually be Stokes's theorem which proves me wrong!

Answer 3

Perhaps this is why stodgier calculus texts refer to
"The Theorem of Stokes".

;)

Answer 4

If the noun is singular, just add an S. (cat's)

If the nound is plural, add an S' (mothers')

=)


For names, you DO need an S no matter if it is singular or plural.