Possessive Form Of “Texas”: A Matter Of Style And Preference
Texas, the second largest state in the United States, is home to a rich cultural heritage and diverse ecosystems. However, even when discussing such a remarkable place, there is still the need to clarify the correct way to express possession.
In this case, the possessive form of “Texas” becomes a matter of style and personal preference.
Traditional English Rules: “Texas’s” Vs. Newer Style Guides: “Texas'”
When it comes to traditional English rules, the recommendation for the possessive form of “Texas” is “Texas’s.” This rule is based on the general practice of adding an apostrophe and an “s” to indicate possession.
Following this convention, one would write “Texas’s vibrant history” or “Texas’s unique landscapes.”
However, newer style guides have suggested an alternative approach. Instead of adding an additional “s” after the apostrophe, these guides propose using just the apostrophe, resulting in “Texas’.” This style simplifies the possessive form and is particularly common in American English.
The Chicago Manual Of Style And The Microsoft Manual Of Style Recommendation: “Texas’s”
For those who prefer the traditional English rules, The Chicago Manual of Style and The Microsoft Manual of Style both recommend using “Texas’s” when expressing possession. These influential style guides emphasize the importance of clarity and ownership.
By using “Texas’s,” writers can ensure that the possessive form is unambiguous.
British English Preference: “Texas'”
In British English, speakers often lean towards a different approach. Based on the guidelines outlined in the Associated Press Stylebook, British English speakers prefer using just the apostrophe, resulting in “Texas’.” This style deviation can be observed in other state names as well, such as “Kansas'” or “Illinois’.”
American English Preference: “Texas’s” Based On The Chicago Manual Of Style
On the other hand, American English speakers are more inclined to follow The Chicago Manual of Style’s recommendation of “Texas’s.” This preference for adding an extra “s” after the apostrophe is more prevalent in American English and helps maintain consistency across various nouns and proper names.
Both “Texas'” And “Texas’s” Are Correct Within Chosen Style Guide
Regardless of personal preference, it is important to note that both “Texas'” and “Texas’s” are considered correct if consistent with the chosen style guide. Whether it is a matter of traditional English rules or newer style guides, the key is to apply the chosen style consistently throughout the written piece.
AP Style For State Names: Spelling Out In Full And Abbreviations
When it comes to AP Style, state names should be spelled out in full when used alone or with a city or town. However, for tabular material, state names can be abbreviated.
It is worth noting that out of the fifty states, including Texas, eight states are not abbreviated in AP Style.
To provide a quick reference, here is a list of the 50 AP Style state abbreviations:
- Alabama (AL)
- Alaska (AK)
- Arizona (AZ)
- Arkansas (AR)
- California (CA)
- Colorado (CO)
- Connecticut (CT)
- Delaware (DE)
- Florida (FL)
- Georgia (GA)
- Hawaii (HI)
- Idaho (ID)
- Illinois (IL)
- Indiana (IN)
- Iowa (IA)
- Kansas (KS)
- Kentucky (KY)
- Louisiana (LA)
- Maine (ME)
- Maryland (MD)
- Massachusetts (MA)
- Michigan (MI)
- Minnesota (MN)
- Mississippi (MS)
- Missouri (MO)
- Montana (MT)
- Nebraska (NE)
- Nevada (NV)
- New Hampshire (NH)
- New Jersey (NJ)
- New Mexico (NM)
- New York (NY)
- North Carolina (NC)
- North Dakota (ND)
- Ohio (OH)
- Oklahoma (OK)
- Oregon (OR)
- Pennsylvania (PA)
- Rhode Island (RI)
- South Carolina (SC)
- South Dakota (SD)
- Tennessee (TN)
- Texas (TX)
- Utah (UT)
- Vermont (VT)
- Virginia (VA)
- Washington (WA)
- West Virginia (WV)
- Wisconsin (WI)
- Wyoming (WY)
Proper Punctuation And Differentiation Of State Names In AP Style
In AP Style, state names should be punctuated appropriately, usually with commas, unless at the end of a sentence or in a dateline. It is essential to maintain consistency in punctuation throughout the text.
To address possible confusion, it is necessary to differentiate between certain state names. For instance, “New York state” should be used when distinguishing it from New York City.
Similarly, “state of Washington” or “Washington state” is used to differentiate it from the District of Columbia. In these instances, it is advisable to use lowercase “state” to avoid any potential confusion.
In AP Style, state names should be abbreviated only in specific circumstances, as previously mentioned in the section outlining state abbreviations. Postal code abbreviations should likewise be reserved for use in full addresses.
In conclusion, discussing the correct possessive form of “Texas” reveals the intricacies of style and personal preference. Whether one chooses to follow traditional English rules and opt for “Texas’s,” or prefers the newer style guide’s suggestion of “Texas’,” both forms are considered correct within the chosen style guide.
Additionally, understanding AP Style guidelines for state names, abbreviations, and proper punctuation is crucial for maintaining consistency and clarity throughout a written piece. To learn more, readers can contact [email protected].
