Everyday Grammar - VOA Learning English Is It Harris' or Harris's? - August 21, 2024
Aug 21, 2024
Dive into the great apostrophe debate surrounding Vice President Kamala Harris's name! Discover the differing conventions of major newspapers on possessive forms. The discussion also unpacks insights from linguists and editors, shedding light on how language evolves in the political landscape. Explore the historical and cultural implications of this linguistic conundrum!
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Style Guides Clash Over Harris Possessive
- American style guides disagree on possessives for names ending in S.
- AP prescribes only an apostrophe (Harris'), while many major papers use apostrophe + s (Harris's), creating public debate.
Viral Post Turned Grammar Debate Mainstream
- Eric Turkowitz called the debate Apostrophe Hell and his post got over two million views.
- His viral X post turned a technical grammar issue into widespread public conversation.
Practical Usage Varies By Institution
- Usage varies even among respected outlets and dictionaries.
- The New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal use Harris's, while AP uses Harris', and Merriam-Webster allows both but favors apostrophe+s.