Which Is Correct, “Charles” Or “Charles's”

When it comes to forming the possessive of names ending in “s,” such as “Charles,” there is confusion about whether to use “Charles'” or “Charles’s.”

However, both forms are considered correct in different contexts, and the choice depends on the style guide that is being followed.

In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of possessive words, and help you understand when to use “Charles'” and “Charles’s” with examples.

Contents

1 The Basics Of Possessive Forms
2 When Should I Use “Charles'” Instead Of “Charles’s”?
3 Examples Of “Charles” And “Charles’s” In Sentences

The Basics Of Possessive Forms

Possessive forms are grammatical structures used to show ownership or a relationship between nouns. When you want to indicate that something belongs to someone or something, you use a possessive form.

For example, in the phrase:

“The dog’s leash,”

“Dog’s” shows that the leash belongs to the dog.

However, for most singular nouns, to form the possessive, simply add an apostrophe followed by an “s.” For instance, “the girl’s book” means that the book belongs to the girl.

Here are a few more examples:

“Teacher’s desk”
“Child’s toy”

If a plural noun already ends with an “s,” you only need to add an apostrophe after the “s.” Here’s an example, “the dogs’ park” indicates that the park is for multiple dogs.

Other examples include:

“Teachers’ lounge”
“Cars’ engines”

When it comes to names that end with “s,” such as “Charles,” you have two options for forming the possessive:

Charles’
Charles’s

Charles’ form adds only an apostrophe after the name. For example, you might say, “Charles’ car,” which means the car belongs to Charles.

This form is preferred in journalistic writing or when following AP Style. While Charles’s form adds both an apostrophe and an additional “s.”

So, you could say, “Charles’s book,” to indicate that the book belongs to Charles. This version is commonly used in academic writing and follows the Chicago Manual of Style guidelines.

READ ALSO: What Is The Plural Of Employees?

When Should I Use “Charles'” Instead Of “Charles’s”?

Different style guides have different rules, especially for names ending in “s.” If you’re writing for a publication that follows AP Style (like newspapers or magazines), you’ll use “Charles’.”

This is a common style in journalism, and it’s preferred for its simplicity. For example, you may write, “Charles’ opinion on the matter was well-received.”

Also, If you’re writing a formal document or an academic paper, follow the Chicago Manual of Style. This style guide recommends adding both an apostrophe and an “s” to form the possessive.

So, you’d write “Charles’s research was groundbreaking.” Then again, the choice between “Charles'” and “Charles’s” can depend on the specific context:

Supposedly you’re writing news articles, blogs, or reports for a media outlet, stick with “Charles'” to align with AP Style guidelines.

In essays, dissertations, or scholarly articles, use “Charles’s” to meet the standards of Chicago style or other academic guidelines.

Examples Of “Charles” And “Charles’s” In Sentences

Here are examples that illustrate both forms in various contexts:

Examples Of “Charles”

Charles is attending the conference this weekend.
Yesterday, Charles finished his project ahead of schedule.
I spoke with Charles about the upcoming meeting.
Did you see Charles at the event last night?
The artist Charles created a stunning mural downtown.
Charles has a unique perspective on environmental issues.

Examples Of “Charles’”

Charles’ car is parked outside.
I borrowed Charles’ book for my research.
The report was based on Charles’
I referenced Charles’ article in my thesis.
We gathered at Charles’ house for dinner.
The meeting was held at Charles’
Charles’ team won the championship last year.
We celebrated at Charles’ birthday party.

Examples Of “Charles’s”

Charles’s bike is in the garage.
Have you seen Charles’s latest project?
I enjoyed reading Charles’s novel last month.
The presentation highlighted Charles’s contributions to the field.
We had lunch at Charles’s favorite café.
The conference will take place at Charles’s
Charles’s party was a huge success.
Everyone enjoyed the festivities at Charles’s

Which Is Correct, “Charles” Or “Charles’s”