Ross’s or Ross’? A Deep Dive into Possessive Forms

When it comes to possessive forms, few things cause as much confusion as the possessive form of a name like “Ross.” Should it be Ross’s or Ross’? If you’re unsure, don’t worry—you’re not alone. The answer depends on which style guide you’re following and personal preference. In this article, we’ll break down when to use Ross’s versus Ross’ and how it fits into both Chicago Manual and AP Style guidelines.

The Basics of Singular Possessive Forms

Before diving into the Ross’s vs. Ross’ debate, let’s quickly recap how possessive forms work for singular and plural nouns. When a noun is singular, forming the possessive typically involves adding an apostrophe followed by an “s”—for example, “the dog’s bone” or “the girl’s book.”

However, when the noun already ends in “s,” things can get a little tricky, especially with proper nouns like “Ross.”

Related: Lucas’s or Lucas’? Understanding Possessive Forms of Proper Nouns

Ross’s: The Singular Possessive Form According to Chicago Manual

The Chicago Manual of Style has a popular rule: when dealing with singular nouns, even if they end in “s,” you should add ‘s to form the possessive. So according to this style guide, the correct form would be Ross’s.

Scenario Example (Ross’s):

Imagine Ross is hosting a party. You could say, “I’m heading over to Ross’s house.” The extra ‘s indicates that the house belongs to Ross. According to Chicago Manual, this is the preferred form. Similarly, if you’re referring to something specific that belongs to Ross—like his car—you’d say, “That’s Ross’s car.”

Ross’: The Singular Possessive Form in AP Style

On the other hand, the AP Style Guide has a slightly different take on this issue. In AP Style, if a singular noun ends in “s,” you form the possessive by adding just an apostrophe (’). This would make Ross’ the correct form in this particular style.

Scenario Example (Ross’):

Suppose you’re following AP Style and need to refer to something Ross owns. You might write, “I’m borrowing Ross’ book for the weekend.” Here, the apostrophe without the additional “s” reflects AP Style guidelines.

Proper Nouns and Their Possessive Forms

The confusion around names like “Ross” isn’t just about how they end in “s.” It’s about which style guide you’re using and your personal preference. For example, while Chicago Manual of Style suggests Ross’s, many people prefer the simpler version of just adding the apostrophe, as in Ross’.

Which Version Is More Popular?

You may wonder which version is more widely used. However, neither Ross’s nor Ross’ is universally accepted as the most popular option—it truly depends on the context and whether you’re writing for a publication that follows Chicago Manual or AP Style. Academic and literary publications often lean toward Ross’s, while newspapers and magazines may prefer Ross’.

When To Use Each Version

Let’s clarify when to use each form depending on the context and style guide:

Use Ross’s When:

• You’re following the Chicago Manual of Style or other style guides that prefer this format.
• You’re writing for literary or academic contexts where the additional ‘s is generally accepted.
• You want to emphasize that the item belongs to a single individual named Ross, and the context calls for more formal language.

Use Ross’ When:

• You’re following the AP Style or writing for a newspaper, magazine, or other media outlet.
• The simpler possessive form fits better with the casual tone of your writing.
• You prefer a cleaner look without the extra “s.”

Possessive Forms and Plural Nouns

Now that we’ve covered the singular possessive, what about plural possessives? Things can get a bit more complicated here. When a plural noun ends in “s,” the general rule is to add just an apostrophe. For example, “the dogs’ leashes” or “the girls’ school.”

So, what if Ross had a family, and you needed to refer to something that belongs to them collectively?

Scenario Example (The Rosses’):

Imagine you’re talking about a group of people named Ross. You would make their last name plural first, turning it into “Rosses.” Then, to show possession, you’d add an apostrophe after the “s.” For example, “I’m going to the Rosses’ house for dinner.”

This scenario uses the plural possessive form and follows the standard rule of just adding an apostrophe after the “s” in a plural noun.

Different Style Guides, Different Rules

As we’ve discussed, the debate between Ross’s and Ross’ largely depends on the editorial guidelines you’re adhering to. Here’s a quick breakdown of the two major guides:

Chicago Manual of Style:

• Recommends adding ‘s to all singular nouns, including proper nouns ending in “s.”
• Example: “That’s Ross’s new car.”

AP Style:

• Prefers adding only an apostrophe to singular nouns ending in “s.”
• Example: “I borrowed Ross’ jacket.”

The Importance of Consistency

One of the most important aspects of using possessive forms is consistency. Whether you’re writing an academic paper, a blog post, or a news article, sticking to one style guide is crucial. If you start with Chicago Manual, keep using Ross’s throughout your writing. If you go with AP Style, don’t switch midway and start using Ross’s when you began with Ross’. Inconsistent use can confuse readers and make your writing appear sloppy.

Exceptions and Personal Preferences

Though these style guides offer clear rules, personal preferences can sometimes come into play. Some people simply prefer the look of Ross’, while others feel Ross’s looks more polished. Neither version is technically wrong, and in informal writing—such as personal letters, emails, or even social media posts—you might choose the form that feels most comfortable to you.

Singular and Plural Possessives: Putting It All Together

Let’s revisit what we’ve covered:

• Ross’s is the possessive form recommended by the Chicago Manual of Style.
• Ross’ is the possessive form recommended by AP Style.
• Both forms are considered correct, but they depend on the editorial guidelines or personal preference.
• When forming the plural possessive for a group named Ross, use Rosses’.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common mistakes to steer clear of when using possessives with names like Ross:

1. Incorrectly Adding Apostrophes to Plurals:
   • Avoid using an apostrophe to form the plural of a name. For instance, “The Ross’” is incorrect when referring to multiple people named Ross. It should be “The Rosses.”
2. Switching Between Style Guides:
   • As mentioned earlier, consistency is key. Don’t use Ross’s in one sentence and Ross’ in another unless there’s a clear stylistic reason.
3. Confusing Singular and Plural Possessives:
   • Make sure you’re clear on whether you’re referring to one person (Ross) or multiple people (Rosses). The way you form the possessive will differ depending on the subject.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Use—Ross’s or Ross’?

In the end, whether you use Ross’s or Ross’ comes down to the style guide you’re following and your personal preference. The Chicago Manual of Style leans towards Ross’s, while AP Style prefers Ross’. Both are correct, so you can’t go wrong with either choice—just make sure you stay consistent. The key is to know your audience and pick the possessive form that aligns with the rules of the style guide you’re using or the context of your writing.

Regardless of the style you follow, remember the fundamental rule of all good writing: clarity. Choose the possessive that makes your meaning crystal clear, and your readers will thank you for it!