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using apostrophe?

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Anonymous  #461695  Tue, 08 Jan 08 04:58 AM

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

  
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Grammar Geek  #461698  Tue, 08 Jan 08 05:05 AM

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

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

  
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Delmobile  #461707  Tue, 08 Jan 08 05:17 AM
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. Wink [;)]
  
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shipra.kakar  #461735  Tue, 08 Jan 08 07:32 AM

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

  
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Yoong Liat  #461750  Tue, 08 Jan 08 09:08 AM

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. 

  
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