The term Ellis’s is the more common way to form the singular possessive of Ellis. For example, “Ellis’s home is beautifully decorated.” However, the word Ellis’ without an additional “s” at the end is also correct, and it is a matter of preference which you use. For instance, “Ellis’ garden is flourishing.”
The following table shows the singular forms of the name Ellis.
| Singular | Ellis |
| Singular possessive | Ellis’ / Ellis’s |
As you can see, you can form the singular possessive in two ways because the word Ellis ends with an “s.”
According to Google Ngram, the more common possessive form is Ellis’s. This is also the form you should follow for APA Style and Chicago Manual of Style.
Alternatively, you can use the less popular version, which is Ellis’. You should use this version with no additional “s” if you follow AP Style.
Considering the above rules, both of the following sentences are correct:
- Ellis’s dedication to his projects is remarkable.
- Ellis’ presentation was well-received.
However, if you start using one version in a text, you should continue with that version until the end.
Perhaps you still have doubts about the different forms of the name Ellis. If so, please continue reading the rest of the page to avoid making mistakes in the future.
Ellis’s
The term Ellis’s is the more popular singular possessive version of the name Ellis. Therefore, you use it to indicate that something belongs to a person named Ellis.
Furthermore, style guides like the Chicago Manual of Style and APA Style suggest that you should use this singular possessive form with the additional “s.”
- Ellis’s work ethic is highly respected.
Sometimes people avoid adding the “s” at the end when the word after it begins with “s.” However, this is just a preference, and the other version is still acceptable.
- Correct: Ellis’ solution was effective.
- Correct: Ellis’s solution was effective.
Although, whichever version you choose to use, you must be consistent and use the same version throughout the text.
Ellis’
The term Ellis’ with an apostrophe and no additional “s” is a singular possessive form of the name Ellis.
However, it has never been as popular as Ellis’s with an “s,” although Ellis’ is the correct version if you use AP Style.
- Ellis’ contributions to the project were invaluable.
However, although Ellis’s is more common, Ellis’ is clearer because if the following word starts with an “s,” then you avoid having three instances of the letter “s” in a row.
- Ellis’ skills are in high demand.
Also, if you choose to use the version without the second “s,” you should use that version throughout the document, regardless of whether the following word starts with “s.”
