Ross’ vs. Ross’s – Which is Correct?

When forming the possessive of a singular noun ending in ‘s’, both Ross’s and Ross’ are considered grammatically correct, though Ross’s is the more common and widely accepted modern style. The choice often depends on the specific style guide being followed, with The Chicago Manual of Style preferring Ross’s and The Associated Press Stylebook often opting for Ross’.

Ross’ or Ross’s – Which is Correct?

The distinction between Ross’ and Ross’s lies in the rules for forming the possessive of singular proper nouns that end in the letter ‘s’. Both forms indicate possession by someone named Ross. The core difference is primarily one of stylistic preference rather than strict grammatical correctness, though one form has become significantly more prevalent in contemporary American English.

Historically, it was common to form the possessive of a singular noun ending in ‘s’ by simply adding an apostrophe (e.g., Ross’). This practice still exists, notably in some journalistic styles like the AP Stylebook. However, the more modern and widely adopted convention, especially in general writing and academic contexts (like the Chicago Manual of Style), is to add an apostrophe and an ‘s’ (e.g., Ross’s) to reflect how the possessive is typically pronounced.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

The best trick to remember the difference and choose the correct form is to consider how you would pronounce the possessive. If you would pronounce an extra ‘s’ sound at the end (as in “Ross-ez’s book”), then adding ‘s’ after the apostrophe (Ross’s) is the most intuitive and generally preferred choice. If you would not pronounce an extra ‘s’ sound (which is rare for names like Ross, but common for ancient names like Jesus’ or Moses’), then simply adding an apostrophe (Ross’) might be considered. For most contemporary names ending in ‘s’, the “say it as you spell it” rule points to Ross’s.

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Ross’s	Possessive Proper Noun	Belonging to Ross (modern, common style)	That is Ross’s new car.
Ross’	Possessive Proper Noun	Belonging to Ross (traditional, AP style)	We attended Ross’ graduation ceremony.

How to Use Ross’

The form Ross’ is a possessive proper noun, indicating something belongs to a person named Ross. This usage adheres to a traditional rule, often found in style guides like the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook, which generally dictates that for singular proper nouns ending in ‘s’, you add only an apostrophe to make it possessive. It is often chosen for its conciseness, though it can sometimes lead to ambiguity in pronunciation for those unfamiliar with the rule. While still grammatically acceptable, it is less common in general writing today compared to Ross’s.

Example 1: According to the AP Stylebook, we should refer to Ross’ opinion on the matter.

Example 2: The historical society documented Ross’ contributions to the community in the early 20th century.

Example 3: Despite the rain, Ross’ garden party went ahead as planned.

How to Use Ross’s

The form Ross’s is also a possessive proper noun, meaning “belonging to Ross.” This is the more prevalent and generally recommended form in contemporary American English, favored by style guides such as The Chicago Manual of Style. The addition of both an apostrophe and an ‘s’ clarifies the pronunciation of the possessive, making it sound like “Ross-ez.” This form is considered clearer and more natural-sounding to most native speakers, reflecting how the possessive is typically spoken aloud, even when the singular noun already ends in ‘s’.

Example 1: Everyone admired Ross’s quick thinking during the emergency.

Example 2: The new restaurant is located right next to Ross’s antique shop.

Example 3: I borrowed Ross’s guitar for the band practice last night.

Related Concepts

Understanding broader grammar concepts related to possessive forms and apostrophe usage can help clarify when to use Ross’ or Ross’s.

• Possessive Nouns: These are nouns that show ownership or relationship. They are typically formed by adding an apostrophe and ‘s’ to a singular noun (e.g., cat’s toy) or just an apostrophe to a plural noun ending in ‘s’ (e.g., cats’ toys). The confusion arises with singular nouns that already end in ‘s’.
• Apostrophes: Apostrophes serve two main purposes: to indicate possession (as discussed here) and to indicate omitted letters in contractions (e.g., it’s for it is). Misuse of apostrophes is a common grammatical error.
• Style Guides: Different publications, academic fields, and industries adhere to specific style guides (e.g., Chicago, AP, MLA, APA). These guides provide rules for grammar, punctuation, and formatting, often including specific instructions for forming possessives of nouns ending in ‘s’.

Examples from Media and Literature

• “It was Ross’s turn to lead the expedition, a challenge he relished.” (Reflecting the common modern usage)
• “The newspaper article consistently referred to Ross’ new policy, adhering to its internal style guide.” (An example of AP or similar style)
• “In the novel, the protagonist often contemplated Ross’s enigmatic smile, a detail that always intrigued him.”
• “The legal document clearly outlined the terms of Ross’s estate, ensuring a smooth transition.”
• “The critic praised Ross’ latest film, highlighting its innovative cinematography.” (Another instance where a style guide might prefer the shorter form)

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The committee discussed ______________ proposal for the new community center. (Ross’ / Ross’s)
2. I found ______________ keys on the kitchen counter this morning. (Ross’ / Ross’s)
3. According to the traditional style, ______________ performance was the highlight of the evening. (Ross’ / Ross’s)
4. Have you seen ______________ new apartment? It’s very spacious. (Ross’ / Ross’s)
5. The author cited ______________ research in her latest book, acknowledging his significant contributions. (Ross’ / Ross’s)

Answer Key

1. Ross’s (or Ross’ if following a specific traditional style)
2. Ross’s (or Ross’ if following a specific traditional style)
3. Ross’
4. Ross’s (or Ross’ if following a specific traditional style)
5. Ross’s (or Ross’ if following a specific traditional style)

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is one form truly “more correct” than the other?
While both Ross’ and Ross’s are grammatically acceptable for forming the possessive of a singular noun ending in ‘s’, Ross’s is generally considered the more modern, common, and clearer choice in American English, reflecting pronunciation. The choice often depends on the specific style guide in use.

Question 2: Does it matter if “Ross” is a first name or a last name?
No, the rule applies regardless of whether “Ross” is a first or last name. The decision to use Ross’ or Ross’s is based on the noun being a singular proper noun ending in ‘s’, not its position as a first or last name.

Question 3: Are there any specific cases where one form is always preferred?
For plural nouns ending in ‘s’ (e.g., “the Rosses’ house”), only an apostrophe is added. For singular nouns ending in ‘s’ that are ancient or biblical names (e.g., Jesus’, Moses’), the traditional form with only an apostrophe is often preferred, even by style guides that typically advocate for ‘s. However, for most contemporary names like Ross, the choice is more about style guide adherence.

Conclusion

Navigating the possessive forms of singular nouns ending in ‘s’, such as Ross’ and Ross’s, ultimately comes down to understanding stylistic preferences and consistency. While both are grammatically permissible, Ross’s has emerged as the favored and most widely understood form in modern American English, aligning with how the possessive is typically pronounced. Ross’ remains a valid alternative, particularly in contexts adhering to older or specific journalistic style guides. A good rule of thumb is to choose one form and stick with it throughout your writing, or to follow the guidelines of the specific style manual required for your publication or academic work. Choosing the more common Ross’s demonstrates an awareness of contemporary usage and ensures clarity, safeguarding your professional reputation against common grammatical pitfalls.