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Apostrophe Wars: The Great Grammar Debate

The Battle for Possessive Proper Nouns

The Stakes of Apostrophe Placement

In the realm of grammar, a fierce battle is raging: the apostrophe war. This conflict centers around the correct placement of apostrophes when forming the possessive case of proper nouns ending in the letter “S.”

The stakes of this debate may seem trivial, but as Ron Woloshun, a Merriam-Webster editor, aptly notes, “the lower the stakes, the bigger the fight.”

The Contenders: Harris vs. Harriss

The catalyst for this grammatical clash was Vice President Kamala Harris's decision to choose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. The question arose: should Walz's name be written with or without an apostrophe in the possessive form?

The Rules of Engagement

Traditionally, the rule for possessive nouns ending in “S” has been to add an apostrophe after the “S.” However, many style guides, including the Associated Press (AP), have adopted a more streamlined approach, omitting the apostrophe in most cases.

Merriam-Webster, the venerable dictionary publisher, takes a middle ground, allowing for either usage.

• With apostrophe: Walz's
• Without apostrophe: Walzs

The Grammar Nerd Uprising

The AP's decision to drop the apostrophe has ignited a firestorm among grammar enthusiasts. They argue that the apostrophe serves an important grammatical function, indicating possession.

Proponents of the apostrophe-less style, on the other hand, contend that it is redundant and unnecessary, especially in cases where the “S” already conveys the idea of possession.

The Battle Continues

As of yet, there is no clear victor in the apostrophe war. The debate rages on, with both sides presenting valid arguments.

Whether you choose to embrace the apostrophe or join the apostrophe-less revolution, this grammatical skirmish serves as a reminder of the enduring power of language and the importance of precise communication.