The selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as Kamala Harris’s running mate has reignited a debate over the use of apostrophes in possessive proper nouns. While Walz’s surname has been straightforward for possessive use, Harris’s last name has stirred controversy over whether it should be written as “Harris’” or “Harris’s.”
Historical and Style Guide Perspectives
The Associated Press (AP) stylebook advises using only an apostrophe for singular proper names ending in “s” (e.g., Dickens’ novels), a stance that conflicts with other style guides. The New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal support adding an “s” after the apostrophe, as does Benjamin Dreyer, former copy chief at Random House. In contrast, the AP maintains its longstanding policy, stating it has served them well without plans for change.
Historical Usage and Linguistic Opinions
Historically, proper names ending in “s” used to show possession without an additional “s.” Linguists like Timothy Pulju note that while the traditional method remains in use, the addition of ’s is becoming more common as it aligns with modern pronunciation. Despite this, the Merriam-Webster dictionary deems both forms acceptable as long as communication is clear.
Current Reactions and Campaign Position
The debate has captured public attention, particularly on social media platforms. Notably, former presidential candidate Michael Dukakis supports the AP’s approach. The Harris campaign, however, has not yet taken a definitive stance, with recent press releases using both “Harris’s” and “Harris’.” As the November election approaches, the debate over proper grammar continues to spark discussion.
