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Anonymous Posted 19 years ago
Grammar

Wits' end or Wit's end

Which is correct?
...at my wit's end. or ...at my wits' end or ...at my wits end.
  

Top answer

Hi, When the meaning is 'intelligence', the word 'wit' is often used in the plural. I've always considered the correct form of the expression to be at my wits' end or at the end of my wits . However, my dictionary says at my wit's end is also acceptable.

— Clive

  • Hi, When the meaning is 'intelligence', the word 'wit' is often used in the plural.
  • I've always considered the correct form of the expression to be at my wits' end or at the end of my wits .
  • However, my dictionary says at my wit's end is also acceptable.
  • It sounds odd to me.
  • Best wishes, Clive
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5 Answers
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Hi,

When the meaning is 'intelligence', the word 'wit' is often used in the plural.

I've always considered the correct form of the expression to be at my wits' end or at the end of my wits.

However, my dictionary says at my wit's end is also acceptable. It sounds odd to me.

Best wishes, Clive
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If you have more than one wit the correct 'version' would be wits' end. I've always fought for the apostrophe after the s'. My screen name on several forums is Wits' End and we have a shop "Wits' End Corner Country Store & Bakery". So I have to defend my 'name', often.
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Ha! I know exactly where your store is! I drive by it every time I go up to Lutsen. Thank you for your input. I tend to agree with you on the wits'.
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You could in a subtle way, be very rude to someone by saying they were at their wit's end - indicating they only have one wit!
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Is the proper punctuation of "at wits end" spelled wit's or wits' ?

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