Acceptable Possessive Forms Of Dennis: “Dennis'” And “Dennis’S”
When it comes to forming the possessive for the name Dennis, there are two acceptable forms: “Dennis'” and “Dennis’s.” Both forms are widely recognized and used in written English. The choice between them often depends on the style guide or personal preference of the writer.
Chicago Manual Of Style: “Dennis’S” Is Recommended
The renowned Chicago Manual of Style recommends using “Dennis’s” as the possessive form of the name Dennis. This recommendation aligns with the general rule of adding an apostrophe-s (‘s) to singular nouns to indicate possession.
According to the Chicago Manual of Style, “Dennis’s” is considered more grammatically correct and is the preferred form for most writing situations.
Associated Press Stylebook: Preference For “Dennis'” To Avoid Awkward Words
Contrary to the Chicago Manual of Style, the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook suggests using “Dennis'” as the possessive form of the name Dennis. The AP Stylebook argues that using “Dennis’s” can sometimes lead to awkward sounding words, especially when the name already ends with an “s.” To maintain consistency and improve the flow of writing, the AP Stylebook advises writers to opt for “Dennis'” instead.
Consistency Matters: Using “Dennis'” Throughout The Document
Whichever form you choose to use, consistency is key. If you decide to follow the AP Stylebook’s recommendation and use “Dennis’,” ensure that this form is used consistently throughout the document.
Switching between “Dennis'” and “Dennis’s” can disrupt the overall cohesiveness and confuse readers.
Making The Possessive Form Obvious: Preference For “Dennis’S” In Other Styles
While the Chicago Manual of Style and the AP Stylebook offer opposing views on the possessive form of Dennis, other style guides tend to lean towards using “Dennis’s” to make the possessive form more obvious. By adding the extra “s” at the end, readers can easily identify that the form is possessive rather than a plural noun or verb.
Examples Of Both Forms: Demonstrating Usage
To illustrate the usage of both forms, consider the following examples:
- “Dennis’s car is in the shop.”
- “The workshop will be held at Dennis’s house.”
- “I borrowed Dennis’ book and returned it yesterday.”
These examples show that both “Dennis’s” and “Dennis'” can effectively convey possession. It is important to note that the choice between them may rely on the specific style guide or personal preference.
Google Ngram Viewer: “Dennis’S” As The Most Popular Choice
According to the Google Ngram Viewer, which analyzes the frequency of words and phrases in published works, “Dennis’s” is the more popular choice among writers. This supports the recommendation of the Chicago Manual of Style and highlights the widespread usage and acceptance of this form in written English.
Double “S” Ending For Clarity: Identifying The Possessive Form
One advantage of using “Dennis’s” as the possessive form is the double “s” ending. This choice helps readers readily identify that the word is possessive rather than a plural noun or verb.
It adds clarity to the sentence and reduces ambiguity.
In conclusion, both “Dennis'” and “Dennis’s” are acceptable possessive forms of the name Dennis. The Chicago Manual of Style recommends “Dennis’s” as the more grammatically correct option, while the Associated Press Stylebook suggests using “Dennis'” to avoid awkward words.
Consistency is vital, regardless of the chosen form. Other style guides often prefer “Dennis’s” to make the possessive form more obvious.
Examples demonstrate the usage of both forms, with “Dennis’s” being the more popular choice in written English, according to the Google Ngram Viewer. The double “s” ending in “Dennis’s” aids in identifying the possessive form and reduces ambiguity for the readers.
