The term Elvis’s is the more common way to form the singular possessive of Elvis. For example, “Elvis’s music is legendary.” However, the word Elvis’ without an additional “s” at the end is also correct, and it is a matter of preference which you use. For instance, “Elvis’ fans are devoted.”
The following table shows the singular forms of the name Elvis.
| Singular | Elvis |
| Singular possessive | Elvis’ / Elvis’s |
As you can see, you can form the singular possessive in two ways because the word Elvis ends with an “s.”
According to Google Ngram, the more common possessive form is Elvis’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 Elvis’. 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:
- Elvis’s guitar collection is impressive.
- Elvis’ career spanned multiple decades.
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 Elvis. If so, please continue reading the rest of the page to avoid making mistakes in the future.
Elvis’s
The term Elvis’s is the more popular singular possessive version of the name Elvis. Therefore, you use it to indicate that something belongs to a person named Elvis.
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.”
Elvis’s influence on rock and roll is undeniable.
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: Elvis’ songs continue to inspire.
- Correct: Elvis’s songs continue to inspire.
Although, whichever version you choose to use, you must be consistent and use the same version throughout the text.
Elvis’
The term Elvis’ with an apostrophe and no additional “s” is a singular possessive form of the name Elvis.
However, it has never been as popular as Elvis’s with an “s,” although Elvis’ is the correct version if you use AP Style.
- Elvis’ performances were electrifying.
However, although Elvis’s is more common, Elvis’ is clearer because if the following word starts with an “s,” then you avoid having three instances of the letter “s” in a row.
- Elvis’ songs are timeless classics.
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.”
