Understanding the Dilemma of Thomas’s or Thomas’?
Authority vs. Style: Grammar Gatekeepers Weigh In
- The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS): Prioritizing Structure and Sound
- AP Style (Associated Press): Simplification for Journalism
Putting It Into Practice: Examples Across Contexts
- Scenario Example 1: A Practice in the Kitchen
- Scenario Example 2: Hospital Naming Conventions
- Scenario Example 3: The Family Gathering
- Scenario Example 4: Higher Education Naming Standards
Decoding the Discrepancy: Why Are We Split?
- Strategic Decision-Making: What Should Writers Do?
- Beyond Thomas: More Possessive Puzzles
Modern Names Ending in ‘s’
- Classical and Historical Figures
- Plural Possessives Ending in ‘s’
- Grammar in Context: What Really Matters
- Helpful Tools for Possessive Precision
- Language Is Alive and Evolving
- Conclusion: Embrace Clarity, Follow Style, and Trust Your Voice
Understanding the Dilemma
Why does writing “Thomas’ car” or “Thomas’s car” feel unstable? That confusion proceeds from one fundamental question: how do we properly suggest possession for names that already end in the letter “s”? This is a durable debate in English grammar that continues to blend questions for undergraduates, professionals, and even proficient writers. The root of this issue lies not only in phonetics and readability but also in conflicting recommendations from verified tutorial-style guides.
Authority vs. Style: Grammar Gatekeepers Weigh In
1. The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS): Classify Structure and Sound
The Chicago Manual of Style is a go-to reference for writers, editors, and publishers, particularly in academic and literary contexts. CMOS is rigid: when showing possession for singular proper nouns—even those ending in “s”—one should add both an apostrophe and an “s.” The result?
- Thomas’s aspiration
- Charles’s idea
- Alexis’s presentation
This method ensures uniformity and often aligns with how people pronounce these possessives naturally in speech.
2. AP Style (Associated Press): Simplification for Journalism
Meanwhile, AP Style, which dominates news and broadcast writing, embraces simplicity and fluid readability. It recommends using only an apostrophe for singular proper nouns ending in “s.”
- Thomas’ ambition
- Charles’ idea
- Alexis’ presentation
The reason? Journalists favor brevity and ease of reading, especially for tight layouts and verbal delivery.
Placing It Into Practice: Examples Over Contexts
Scenario Example 1: A Practice in the Kitchen
Imagine Thomas is a well-known chef. You might write:
- CMOS: “Thomas’s culinary creations win awards.”
- AP: “Thomas’ culinary creations win awards.”
Both are accepted forms but highlight how pronunciation and visual simplicity affect the choice.
Scenario Example 2: Hospital Naming Conventions
In real-world naming, these rules manifest differently. For instance, in London:
- Chicago-style: “St Thomas’s Hospital”
- AP-style or traditional UK spelling: “St Thomas’ Hospital”
This isn’t just academic—it’s on signs, letterheads, and legal documents.
Scenario Example 3: The Family Gathering
Let’s say Thomas is organizing a family reunion:
- CMOS: “Thomas’s family gathered for a festive weekend.”
- AP: “Thomas’ family gathered for a festive weekend.”
The sentence flows well either way, so context and consistency matter so much.
Scenario Example 4: Higher Education Naming Standards
- St. Thomas University in Minnesota adheres to the AP convention:
- “St. Thomas’ University is a leader in undergraduate education.”
- “St. Thomas’s University being a leader in undergraduate education.
- This choice reflects branding as much as grammatical rules.
Decoding the Discrepancy: Why Are We Split?
The split exists because language isn’t static. Some rules aim for clarity, while others aim for ease. Adding “’s” preserves grammatical structure but can feel awkward aloud, and skipping the “s” after the apostrophe is smoother to pronounce but might visually suggest a plural form to some readers.
Strategic Decision-Making: What Should Writers Do?
When faced with a style dilemma, ask yourself:
- What style guide am I using? Academic? Creative?
- What sounds natural when spoken? Reading aloud can clarify awkward phrasing.
- Will my audience understand the intended meaning?
- Can I maintain this style choice consistently throughout the document?
Beyond Thomas: More Possessive Puzzles Modern Names Ending in ‘s’
- CMOS: “James’s new book” / “Harris’s proposal.”
- AP: “James’ new book” / “Harris’ proposal”
Classical and Historical Figures
Most style guides agree: names from antiquity or religion traditionally drop the final “s.”
- Socrates’ wisdom
- Jesus’ teachings
- Moses’ commandments
Plural Possessives Ending in ‘s’
When a plural noun already ends in “s,” just tack on an apostrophe:
- “The teachers’ lounge”
- “The dogs’ park”
- “The Smiths’ Vacation”
Grammar in Context: What Really Matters
Rules are flexible in informal writing—emails, blogs, and personal essays. Your readers are more interested in clarity than grammatical perfection. But in professional, academic, or legal documents, it’s essential to consistently follow the guidelines of a chosen style.
Helpful Tools for Possessive Precision
- Say it aloud: If it sounds off, it reads awkwardly, too.
- Gauge the formality: business report or birthday card?
- Stay loyal to one style: mixing AP and CMOS can confuse readers.
- Reframe if needed. Use “the house belonging to Thomas” when in doubt.
Language Is Alive and Evolving
Language is not set in stone. The possessive forms we debate today may be obsolete tomorrow. New norms evolve as spoken and written usage shifts, especially with globalization, technology, and digital writing platforms prioritizing speed over formality.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between “Thomas’s” and “Thomas’” is not correct or wrong but clarity, context, and consistency. Whether you’re following CMOS or your editorial decision, your goal as a writer is to communicate clearly and positively. These understandings of suspiciousness, the principle behind the rule, give you control over your style and enhance your credibility. But the next time you face a tricky deflection, remember. Choose a rule, apply it carefully, and don’t let grammar get in the way of excellent writing. Possession may be nine-tenths of the law, but in grammar, it’s all about the deflection.
