using apostrophe?

Question

I am making invitations and am not sure if I should use the apostrophe after the s or before? as follows: Come help us celebrate Madelyn Maries Duchene's or Duchenes' 1st birthday.

Any help you can give would be appreciated

BarbaraPA · Accepted Answer

If Duchene is the last name, then it's Duchene's.

If Duchenes is the last name, then it's Duchenes's.

Delmobile · Answer

Is it time for the big style ~~argument~~ discussion about whether to add a second S when the possessive name already ends in S?

Because I'm ready.

Shipra.kakar · Answer

And so am I (to join forces with delmobile:-))!!!

Yoong Liat · Answer

I hope the following will settle the issue as to whether to use 's or s' with regard to names.

How to use Apostrophes

5. When names end with the letter 's', either use is acceptable:

James' wife or James's wife.

(It is often said that the choice between the two should be made on how the word is pronounced.)

Some words sound awkward when an apostrophe 's' is added:

Jesus's disciples.

The accepted form here is to just use the 's' apostrophe:

Jesus' disciples.

N.B. This only applies to names of Biblical or historical significance e.g. Jesus, Moses, Zeus, Demosthenes, Ramses ... the rest of us whack in the apostrophe and add an 's.'

Moses' followers, Zeus' priests, Demosthenes' teachings, Ramses' pyramid

Others don't have the same clumsy sound:

The princess's chair.

Anonymous · Answer

even the last 's in case Duchenes is the last name, is redundant; one may simply say Duchenes'

BarbaraPA · Answer

Whatever.

I'm sure as **** NOT up to arguing about it.

My last name ends in S and I will never, EVER simply stick an apostrophe on the end to say "oh, now it's possessive." Do what you want. The grammar police and style cops will not come and arrest you.

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