As a linguistic expert with a focus on English grammar and usage, I'm often asked about the nuances of possessive forms, especially when it comes to names ending in 's' or 'z'. The question of how to show ownership with a name ending in 'z' is an interesting one, as it touches on the intersection of grammar rules and stylistic preferences.

In English, possessive forms indicate ownership or a relationship between the noun and the noun it modifies. When it comes to singular nouns ending in 's' or 'z', there are a few different ways to form the possessive, and the choice can depend on the writer's preference or the style guide they are following.

**Rule: To show singular possession of a name ending in 's' or 'z', some writers add just an apostrophe.** This is the simplest form of showing possession and is often used in informal writing or when the name is already quite long. For example, if we have a name like "Jones", the possessive form would be "Jones'". This is straightforward and avoids adding extra letters that might make the name harder to read.

**Rule: Others also add another 's'.** This is another common practice, especially in more formal writing or when the name ending in 'z' is short and adding an 's' helps to clearly indicate possession. For instance, if we have a name like "Baz", the possessive form could be "Baz's". This method is also supported by some style guides, which prefer the clarity that the added 's' provides.

**Rule: To show plural possession of a name ending in 's', 'ch', or 'z', form the plural first; then immediately use the apostrophe.** When dealing with plural nouns that end in these letters, the rule is a bit different. You first form the plural by adding an 's', and then you add the apostrophe after that. For example, if we have a family name like "Jones" and we are talking about something that belongs to the Jones family, we would write "the Joneses' house".

It's important to note that there is no hard and fast rule that dictates which method to use. Both are grammatically correct, and the choice between them often comes down to personal preference, the style of the publication, or the advice of a specific style guide. Some writers might choose the simpler apostrophe to avoid clutter, while others might opt for the added 's' to make the possessive form more explicit.

In conclusion, showing ownership with a name that ends in 'z' can be done by either adding just an apostrophe or by adding an apostrophe and an 's'. The choice between these two methods is flexible and can be influenced by various factors, including style and clarity. As with many aspects of language, consistency is key; once you choose a method, it's best to stick with it throughout your writing.

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Rule: To show singular possession of a name ending in s or z, some writers add just an apostrophe. Others also add another s. See Rules 1b and 1c of Apostrophes for more discussion. Rule: To show plural possession of a name ending in s, ch, or z, form the plural first; then immediately use the apostrophe.read more >>