The term Ross’s is the more common way to form the singular possessive of Ross. E.g., “Ross’s office is well-organized.” However, the word Ross’ without an additional “s” at the end is also correct, and it is a matter of preference which you use. E.g., “Ross’ presentation was impressive.”
The following table shows the singular forms of the name Ross.
| Form | Example |
| Singular | Ross |
| Singular possessive | Ross’s/ Ross’ |
As you can see, you can form the singular possessive in two ways because the word Ross ends with an “s.”
According to Google Ngram, the more common possessive form is Ross’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 Ross’. 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:
- Ross’s dog is friendly.
- Ross’ project received positive feedback.
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 Ross. If so, please continue reading the rest of the page to avoid making mistakes in the future.
Ross’s
The term Ross’s is the more popular singular possessive version of the name Ross.
Therefore, you use it to indicate that something belongs to a person named Ross.
Furthermore, the Chicago Manual of Style stipulates that you should use this singular possessive form with the additional “s.”
- Ross’s leadership skills are evident in every project.
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: Ross’ secretary reports early for work
- Correct: Ross’s sight is always better when he’s wearing glasses
Although, whichever version you choose to use, you must be consistent and use the same version throughout the text.
Ross’
The term Ross’ with an apostrophe and no additional “s” is a singular possessive form of the name Ross.
However, it has never been as popular as Ross’s with an “s,” although Ross’ is the correct version if you use AP Style.
- Ross’ sense of humor brightens our office.
However, although Ross’s is more common, Ross’ is clearer because if the following word starts with an “s,” then you avoid having three instances of the letter “s” in a row.
- Ross’ socks are all over his bedroom floor.
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.”
