Nicholas’ or Nicholas’s? A Simple Guide to Using Apostrophes

Understanding how to show ownership or pluralize names can be tricky—especially with names like Nicholas! In this guide, we’ll make it super simple. We’ll learn about singular possessive, plural possessive, and plural forms. Let’s break it down step-by-step so that everyone (even grade 3 readers) can understand.

What Do Singular Possessive, Plural, and Plural Possessive Mean?

Before diving into Nicholas’ or Nicholas’s, let’s review three key terms:

• Singular Possessive: Shows that one person or thing owns something.
  Example: The book of Nicholas → Nicholas’s book.
• Plural: Simply means more than one.
  Example: Several people named Nicholas → Nicholases.
• Plural Possessive: Shows that more than one person owns something.
  Example: The toys of the Nicholases → The Nicholases’ toys.

Singular Possessive Form: Nicholas’

When we talk about something that one Nicholas owns, we use the singular possessive form. Usually, this means adding an apostrophe (') and an ‘s’ after the name.

Rule: Add ’s to a singular noun, even if it ends in s.

• Example:
  • This is Nicholas’s hat.
  • Nicholas’s cat is cute.

Fun Tip to Remember:

Ask yourself, “Does only one Nicholas own this thing?” If yes, use Nicholas’s.

Plural Form: Nicholases

If you’re talking about more than one Nicholas, you need to make the name plural. This rule works like regular plurals.

Rule: Add -es to names that already end in s.

• Example:
  • There are two Nicholases in my class.
  • We invited the Nicholases to the party.

Fun Tip to Remember:

Think of making the name into “a group.” A group of people named Nicholas becomes “Nicholases.”

Plural Possessive Form: Nicholases’

Now let’s talk about ownership by more than one Nicholas. The plural possessive is used in this case.

Rule: Add an apostrophe (') after the plural -es.

• Example:
  • The Nicholases’ house is big. (A house owned by two Nicholases.)
  • The Nicholases’ dog is friendly.

Fun Tip to Remember:

“Plural first, ownership second!” First, make it plural (Nicholases), then show possession (add ’).

Table for Quick Referenc

Form	Example Sentence	Rule
Singular Possessive	This is Nicholas’s pencil.	Add 's to the name.
Plural	There are many Nicholases in town.	Add -es to make the name plural.
Plural Possessive	The Nicholases’ car is red.	Add -es first, then add ' after it.

What About the Rule Nicholas’ vs. Nicholas’s?

You might sometimes see Nicholas’ instead of Nicholas’s. Here’s why:

1. Style Choice: Some people (or style guides) prefer to write Nicholas’ (with just the apostrophe) when a singular noun ends in s.
   Example:
   • Nicholas’ bike (same as Nicholas’s bike).
2. Both Are Correct: The important thing is consistency. Decide which version to use and stick with it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Adding Apostrophes Everywhere

• Incorrect: The Nicholas’s are here.
• Correct: The Nicholases are here.

Mistake 2: Forgetting Plural Forms

• Incorrect: The Nicholas’ books. (Should be Nicholases’ if plural.)
• Correct: The Nicholases’ books.

Quick Quiz!

Let’s test your skills. Try to figure out the correct form for these:

1. ___ book belongs to Nicholas. (Nicholas’s or Nicholas’)
2. There are two ___ in the game. (Nicholases or Nicholas’s)
3. The ___ dog won an award. (Nicholases’ or Nicholas’s)

Answers:

1. Nicholas’s
2. Nicholases
3. Nicholases’

Final Thoughts

Learning when to use Nicholas’, Nicholas’s, or Nicholases doesn’t have to be confusing. Just remember:

• Singular = One Nicholas → Add 's.
• Plural = Many Nicholases → Add -es.
• Plural Possessive = More than one Nicholas owning something → Add -es, then '.

With these tips, you’ll get it right every time! 😊