Using names that end with “S” creates a new challenge when we want to write the possessive form. Typically, we include an apostrophe and an “S” after the words, but what happens when the name already ends with “S,” like “Alexis?” This article will explore the answer.
Alexis’ Or Alexis’s: Which Is The Correct Possessive Form?
“Alexis'” is correct when following the rules of the Associated Press Stylebook. We don’t need the extra “S” at the end with this style. “Alexis’s” is correct when following the rules of the Microsoft and Chicago Manual of Style books, where the extra “S” is required.
You’ll often find that schools teach with AP style rules, which helps children and students to learn about the possessive form. However, this doesn’t seem to be common practice all over the country.
By looking at this graph from Google Ngram Viewer, you can see that “Alexis’s” is the most popular choice compared to “Alexis’.” Even though the AP Style is taught in schools, it doesn’t seem to have much prevalence for other writers outside of school.
When To Use Alexis’
“Alexis'” is correct when following the possessive guidelines in the AP Stylebook. We drop the extra “S” at the end of the word to help with comprehension, as some people believe the extra “S” is difficult to read or too jarring.
If we demonstrated what it looks like with the extra letter, you’d see why some people believe it doesn’t make any sense:
- Alexis’
- Alexis’s
The double “S” ending is too jarring for most people, which is why it’s easier to teach the AP style with one “S” in schools. Students will often pick up on it a lot easier when they only need to include an apostrophe.
Examples of Alexis’
- Alexis’ mom wants to see both of us later today.
- Alexis’ plan seems to have come haywire, and there’s nothing we can do about it.
- This was Alexis’ special day, and he’s missing it.
- Alexis’ presents are all under the tree and ready for him.
- Alexis’ glasses have cracked! What will we do?
“Alexis'” is the possessive form of the name “Alexis.” We use it to show that “Alexis” owns an object in the sentence and that object will always come directly after the possessive form.
When To Use Alexis’s
We use “Alexis’s” with two “S” letters when following the Chicago and Microsoft Manuals of Style. It is more common to see it written in this way because people believe the double “S” ending is easier to understand on the page and accept as the possessive form.
There are many conflicting opinions when using the possessive form, which is why there are two vastly different style rules that we could follow. Let’s look at an example of the Chicago and Microsoft Style to explain why it’s popular:
- Alexis’s father
- Alexis’ father
With the “S” letter repeated after the apostrophe, it’s much easier for a reader to understand that this is the possessive form and “Alexis” is the owner of the “father” object. Without it (in example 2), we’ll struggle to understand it, and we might miss the apostrophe if we’re not careful.
Examples of Alexis’s
- Alexis’s father would like to have a word with you.
- Alexis’s best friend is coming over for dinner tonight.
- Alexis’s dinner pass has run out, so we can’t feed him anything.
- Isn’t this Alexis’s book? We should return it to him.
- Where is Alexis’s new ride? I thought he’d be here for us.
Is There A Preference For Using Alexis’ or Alexis’s In US vs. UK?
According to Google Ngram Viewer, in US English, “Alexis’s” is the most popular choice compared to “Alexis’.” People prefer to follow the Microsoft and Chicago Manuals of Style rather than the AP stylebook guidelines.
Even in UK English, according to Google Ngram Viewer, the rules stay the same. “Alexis’s” is still the most popular choice, and it’s rare to use “Alexis'” in its place.
UK and US English both use the same possessive rules when using names that end with “S” letters.
Final Thoughts
Clearly, “Alexis’s” is the most popular choice of possessive forms, and we follow the Microsoft or Chicago Manual of Style when using it. It helps us to show when “Alexis” is an owner of an object in a sentence. We avoid using the AP Style “Alexis'” in most cases.
You may also like: Lucas’ Or Lucas’s? Here’s The Possessive Form (Helpful Examples)
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
