Apostrophe question

Question

Would the correct way be "Massachusetts individuals" or "Massachusetts' individuals"?  With or without the apostrophe?  Thanks!

Philip · Accepted Answer

Since the state does not "own" the individuals, I prefer to think of the name as an adjective:  no apostrophe.

Anonymous · Answer

I HAVE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED MY ANSWER BEFORE SUBMITTING TO MODERATION

Anonymous,

I agree with the Veteran Member that no apostrophe is necessary.

(1) I feel, however, that there is a difference.

(2) The letter "s" appears too many times in "Massachusetts,"

so I am using "California."

(3) I have checked my books. I found some ideas but not one

definite answer. These ideas are only mine, so they may be

completely/ mostly/ partly wrong.

(4) The words in bold should be stressed (said loudly).

*****

(a) "California residents are used to minor earthquakes.

It is California visitors who go crazy when the earth starts

to move."

My point: The form without the apostrophe emphasizes the

noun in bold. It contrasts "residents" with "visitors."

(b) California's residents are used to minor earthquakes, but

Nevada's (residents) are definitely not.

My point: the form with the apostrophe emphasizes the

's word (possessive/genitive). It contrasts "California"

with "Nevada." That is, the residents of California do not

give minor earthquakes a second thought, but the residents of

Nevada freak out (go crazy with fear).

*****

I guess the difference between

"Massachusetts individuals" and "Massachusetts'/

Massachusetts's (?) individuals" depends on how you use

those words in a complete sentence.

(This post has been proofread multiple times.)

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