Thomas’ or Thomas’s? Which is Correct?

If you’ve ever written or spoken about something belonging to Thomas, you might have paused, wondering: is it Thomas’ or Thomas’s? This common question often confuses writers and speakers alike, as there seem to be different rules depending on who you ask. Whether you’re trying to follow AP Style or the Chicago Manual of Style, understanding possessive forms is key. This article will walk you through how to form possessives, with clear examples, while exploring the difference between Thomas’ and Thomas’s.

What Is a Singular Possessive?

A singular possessive shows ownership by a single entity, person, or thing. In English, possessives are often made by adding an apostrophe and the letter “s” to a singular noun. For example, if you want to say that a book belongs to John, you would write “John’s book.”

But what happens when the name ends in “s,” like Thomas? This is where things get a bit tricky.

Related: Months or Month’s? A Guide to Understanding Possessive Forms

The Basics of Singular Possessive Form

In the case of most singular nouns, you add ‘s to show possession. Consider these examples:

• The cat’s toy (The toy belongs to the cat.)
• Sarah’s car (The car belongs to Sarah.)

When we apply this rule to a name like Thomas, traditionally, we add an apostrophe and s to create the singular possessive form: Thomas’s. For example:

• Thomas’s hat (The hat belongs to Thomas.)

However, this rule isn’t universally followed, which leads us to our next point.

Thomas’ or Thomas’s: The Great Debate

The confusion between Thomas’ and Thomas’s arises because different style guides have different rules. The two main contenders are the AP Style and the Chicago Manual of Style.

1. AP Style: The Associated Press (AP Style) recommends using only an apostrophe (‘) after names ending in “s,” like Thomas’. So, according to AP, it would be:
   • Thomas’ coat (The coat belongs to Thomas.)
2. Chicago Manual of Style: On the other hand, the Chicago Manual of Style insists on adding ‘s even for names ending in “s.” According to this guide, the correct way to show possession is Thomas’s. So, you would write:
   • Thomas’s jacket (The jacket belongs to Thomas.)

The difference between these two forms often comes down to stylistic preference or the specific writing style you’re following. However, it’s crucial to understand the rules of possessive forms so you can apply them correctly, regardless of the name you’re using.

Examples of Possessive Forms Using Thomas’ and Thomas’s

Let’s look at different scenarios and examples to see how these possessives work:

Scenario 1: Possessing a Single Object

Imagine you’re talking about Thomas owning a single object, like a car.

• According to AP Style: Thomas’ car is parked outside.
• According to Chicago Manual of Style: Thomas’s car is parked outside.

Both forms are technically correct depending on the style guide you follow, but note the slight variation between them.

Scenario 2: Possession in Speech

Now let’s say you’re talking to someone and need to use the possessive in a conversation. Spoken language often favors simplicity, which is why Thomas’ may sound more natural:

• AP Style: “That’s Thomas’ bike.”
• Chicago Manual of Style: “That’s Thomas’s bike.”

Scenario 3: Describing Multiple People’s Possessions

What if you need to mention both Thomas’s and another person’s possession? Here’s how that looks:

• Thomas’s and Sarah’s plans for the weekend were different.
• Thomas’ and Sarah’s schedules overlapped. (AP Style)

These examples show how the singular possessive form changes based on the chosen style.

What About Plural Possessives?

Plural possessives work differently from singular ones. If you’re talking about more than one person named Thomas (though that might be rare), the plural possessive form adds an apostrophe after the “s.” For example:

• The Thomases’ house is located on Elm Street. (More than one Thomas lives there.)
• The children’s toys were scattered across the floor. (Toys belong to multiple children.)

The possessive forms here clearly indicate ownership by a plural subject.

Common Misconceptions About Possessives

There are several common mistakes people make when dealing with possessives:

1. Omitting the apostrophe: Forgetting the apostrophe entirely can lead to confusion. Thomas’s jacket and Thomas’s hat are correct, but writing Thomass jacket is incorrect because it doesn’t show ownership.
2. Misplacing the apostrophe: Placing the apostrophe incorrectly, such as in Thomas s’, is a frequent error. Always remember to put it either before or after the “s,” depending on the rule you’re following.
3. Overthinking plural and singular rules: It’s easy to mix up the rules for plural and singular possessives. Stick to the rule of adding an ‘s for singular possessives like Thomas’s and only an apostrophe for plurals ending in “s.”

Why Style Matters: AP vs. Chicago

Choosing between Thomas’ and Thomas’s often depends on your audience or the style guide you’re following. Let’s break down the distinctions further:

• AP Style is often used by journalists and those in media industries. It simplifies possessive forms by omitting the extra “s” for words ending in “s” because it flows better in print and speech.
• Chicago Manual of Style, on the other hand, is frequently used in academic writing and books. It emphasizes clarity and precision, which is why it insists on Thomas’s for singular possessive.

If you’re writing a paper for a journalistic audience, you’ll likely stick with AP Style. But if you’re drafting an academic paper, the Chicago Manual of Style might be your guide.

How to Decide Which Form to Use

If you’re not bound by any specific style guide, how do you choose between Thomas’ and Thomas’s? Here are a few helpful tips:

1. Read it aloud: Which form sounds better when spoken? If Thomas’s sounds awkward, you might prefer Thomas’.
2. Consider consistency: If you’re writing a longer document, it’s essential to be consistent. Pick one style and stick with it throughout the text.
3. Follow established rules: If you’re working on a project where a specific style guide is mentioned (like AP Style or Chicago Manual of Style), follow that rule to ensure correctness.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Use?

The bottom line is that both Thomas’ and Thomas’s can be correct, but the form you use depends largely on the style guide you’re following or your personal preference. Whether you lean toward AP Style for its simplicity or the Chicago Manual of Style for its clarity, understanding the rules of singular possessive forms will ensure that your writing is grammatically correct and easy to read.

In casual writing, you might find yourself using Thomas’ because it rolls off the tongue more smoothly, while in formal writing, Thomas’s might be your go-to choice. Either way, you now have the tools and knowledge to decide which form works best for you!