Apostrophe for Multi-Word Name Possessive
The Apostrophe
Rulebase Summary
Use an apostrophe and s to show possession at the end of a name or title that is made of several words. Commas are omitted after the title or explanation in the possessive form.
Examples
A. John Smith's, Jr.'s, estate was contested in court.
A. John Smith, Jr.'s estate was contested in court.
The apostrophe and s go on the last element of the full name — the comma after Jr. is omitted in possessive form.
A. The Attorney General's opinion was released today.
A. The Attorney General's opinion was released today.
For multi-word titles, the possessive marker attaches to the end of the complete title.
Transcript Notes
Use an apostrophe and s to show possession at the end of a name or title made of several words (J. J. Stafford, III's credit card; Baker, Inc.'s business; Reno, Nevada's claim to fame). Commas are omitted after the title or explanation when the form is possessive — do not write 'Stafford, III,'s credit card.'
Style Guide References (1)
Morson's