Nicholas’ or Nicholas’s?

The term Nicholas’s is the more common way to form the singular possessive of Nicholas. For example, “Nicholas’s artwork is impressive.” However, the word Nicholas’ without an additional “s” at the end is also correct, and it is a matter of preference which you use. For instance, “Nicholas’ bike is parked by the entrance.”

The following table shows the singular forms of the name Nicholas.

Form	Example
Singular	Nicholas
Singular possessive	Nicholas’ / Nicholas’s

As you can see, you can form the singular possessive in two ways because the word Nicholas ends with an “s.”

According to Google Ngram, the more common possessive form is Nicholas’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 Nicholas’. You should use this version with no additional “s” if you follow AP Style.

Considering the above rules, all the  sentences are correct:

• Nicholas’s dedication to his studies paid off.
• Nicholas’ dog is waiting at the door.
• Nicholas’s family gathered for dinner every Sunday evening.
• In class, Nicholas’ favorite game is spelling bees.

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 Nicholas. If so, please continue reading the rest of the page to avoid making mistakes in the future.

Nicholas’s

The term Nicholas’s is the more popular singular possessive version of the name Nicholas. Therefore, you use it to indicate that something belongs to a person named Nicholas.

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.”

• Nicholas’s leadership skills are evident in his team’s success.

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: Nicholas’ speech captivated the audience.
• Correct: Nicholas’s speech captivated the audience.

Although, whichever version you choose to use, you must be consistent and use the same version throughout the text.

Nicholas’

The term Nicholas’ with an apostrophe and no additional “s” is a singular possessive form of the name Nicholas.

However, it has never been as popular as Nicholas’s with an “s,” although Nicholas’ is the correct version if you use AP Style.

• Nicholas’ guitar skills impressed everyone at the party.
• Nicholas’ dad helps him with his baseball practice.
• Nicholas’ family watches movies together every Sunday.

However, although Nicholas’s is more common, Nicholas’ is clearer because if the following word starts with an “s,” then you avoid having three instances of the letter “s” in a row.

• Nicholas’ studies often keep him up late.

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.”