Summary
English possessive forms often seem straightforward—just add ’s. But many nouns, especially those ending in s or forming plurals in irregular ways, require only an apostrophe to create the possessive. For researchers preparing manuscripts for journals or publishers, understanding these rules is essential. Incorrect possessive formation is one of the most frequently flagged errors in peer review, copyediting and editorial assessment.
This expanded guide explains when to add only an apostrophe to form the possessive, covering plural nouns ending in s, irregular plurals, acronyms, dates, classical names, multi-syllable names, nouns ending in s-like sounds and organisational names that appear plural. It also clarifies ambiguous cases, pronunciation-based exceptions and stylistic considerations used in academic writing and publishing.
By applying these rules consistently, you can avoid common grammatical mistakes, strengthen the clarity and professionalism of your prose and ensure that your writing meets the expectations of journal editors, peer reviewers and acquisitions teams.
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How to Form Possessives with Only an Apostrophe in Academic Writing
Forming the English possessive seems simple at first: attach ’s to a noun. But in practice, academic and scientific writers encounter many exceptions—especially nouns ending in s, plurals with irregular structures, acronyms, dates and multi-syllable proper names. The possessive apostrophe is one of the most frequently misused punctuation marks in scholarly manuscripts, and errors often stand out sharply to peer reviewers, copyeditors and journal editors.
This article explains when adding only an apostrophe—without an additional s—is grammatically correct and stylistically appropriate in academic English. It also offers extended examples, pronunciation guidance and publication-focused considerations to help you apply these rules consistently in manuscripts submitted to journals and academic publishers.
1. The Standard Rule—and When It Changes
In most cases, the possessive of a singular noun is formed by adding ’s:
the researcher’s method; the child’s results; the system’s failure.
But there are important groups of nouns that take only an apostrophe to indicate possession. These special cases are especially common in academic writing, where clarity, precision and convention matter greatly.
2. Plural Nouns Already Ending in S
This is the most widely known and frequently applied rule:
Plural nouns ending in s form the possessive by adding only an apostrophe.
Examples:
• the dogs’ legs (the legs of several dogs)
• the teachers’ meeting
• the authors’ affiliations
• the Smiths’ office (belonging to the Smith family)
If referring to only one Smith, write Smith’s office.
Irregular Plurals
If the plural noun does not end in s, you must add ’s:
• the men’s committee
• the children’s hospital
• the women’s laboratory
These nouns behave as singular forms for the purpose of the apostrophe.
3. Plural Acronyms, Abbreviations and Initialisms Ending in S
Academic writing frequently uses acronyms and initialisms. Their plural forms often end in s, and the possessive follows the same rule as plural nouns.
If KI = key informant:
• plural = KIs
• plural possessive = KIs’
Example:
The KIs’ responses were analysed using thematic coding.
By contrast:
• the KI’s response = one key informant
For clarity and professionalism, always check that your acronym pluralisation is correct before forming possessives.
4. Decade and Year Expressions Ending in S
Possessives of plural dates ending in s also take only an apostrophe:
• the 1990s’ economic policies
• the 1880s’ architectural style
These forms refer to the entire decade, not a specific year.
5. Singular Nouns Ending in an S or S-Sound
This category creates the most confusion for academic writers because usage varies across style guides. Some publishers require adding ’s regardless of pronunciation, but many allow or prefer apostrophe only when an additional s makes spoken English sound awkward.
You may add only an apostrophe to singular nouns ending in:
• s
• z
• x
• soft s-like sounds
Examples of Singular Common Nouns
• the oasis’ vegetation
• the chassis’ design
• the metropolis’ boundaries
If adding ’s creates an awkward hiss or double-s sound, apostrophe-only forms are often recommended—especially in humanities writing, where sound and rhythm influence style.
6. Multi-Syllable Proper Names Ending in S
For names ending in s or an s-sound, style guides differ. However, a common convention in academic writing is:
If the name ends in an s-sound and is longer than one syllable, add only an apostrophe.
Examples:
• Nicholas’ journal article
• Bridges’ argument
• Hernández’ findings
The logic comes from pronunciation: adding another s often sounds unnatural or forces an awkward pause.
French Names Ending in Silent S
French singular nouns or names ending with a silent s also take only an apostrophe:
• the marquis’ estate
• Dumas’ novels
Adding ’s would misrepresent the spoken form.
7. Classical and Biblical Names Ending in S or ES
Style guides frequently allow apostrophe-only forms for classical or biblical names ending in s or es. These names have long-established possessive conventions.
Examples (apostrophe only):
• Socrates’ defense
• Moses’ leadership
• Achilles’ armor
Some shorter classical names take ’s:
• Zeus’s anger
Always check your target journal’s style guide; conventions vary.
8. Phrases with “Sake”: Apostrophe-Only Required
Certain fixed expressions require adding only an apostrophe:
• for goodness’ sake
• for conscience’ sake
• for righteousness’ sake
These idiomatic structures are exceptions rooted in historical usage.
9. Organisational or Geographic Names Appearing Plural
Some place names and institutional names appear plural but function grammatically as singular entities. These take only an apostrophe in the possessive.
Examples:
• the United States’ president
• the Philippines’ economy
• the Netherlands’ foreign policy
Although these names are plural in form, the entities they represent are treated as single geopolitical units.
10. Academic and Publishing Style Considerations
Possessive formation in academic writing is not only about grammar—it is also about aligning with the expectations of your target journal. Some journals require:
• ’s for all singular nouns, including names ending in s;
• apostrophe-only for classical names;
• strict adherence to Chicago Manual of Style;
• British-style or American-style possessive conventions.
11. Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Using ’s for plural nouns ending in s (incorrect: dogs’s)
• Removing the apostrophe completely (incorrect plurals like mens team)
• Inconsistent possessive forms across a manuscript
• Applying ’s to acronyms incorrectly
• Adding ’s to names where pronunciation becomes strained
These errors lower editorial confidence and can delay peer review or acceptance.
12. Conclusion
Mastering the apostrophe-only possessive is essential for clean and professional academic prose. Whether you are preparing a journal article, book chapter or research manuscript, correct possessive usage improves clarity and demonstrates your attention to scholarly precision. By applying these rules consistently—and by consulting the style guide of your target journal—you can ensure that your writing meets the expectations of editors, reviewers and international readers.
If you want expert help ensuring correct grammar, punctuation, possessive forms and academic style in your research manuscripts or journal articles, our journal article editing service and manuscript editing service can provide the support needed for successful publication.
