Pronunciation - 3 Mistakes part 1 ('s')

http://www.engVid.com/ This lesson is the first in a three-part series designed to give students more natural-sounding English pronunciation, by correcting three common mistakes. This lesson focuses on the correct usage of the 'S' sound.

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• english-grammar
• esl
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• learn-english
• english
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[Geeljasjes]

I was tought that when a name ends with an S you only put the apostrophe behind it, not another S.

James' Pen.

[JamesESL]

@Geeljasjes You are right. That's how they did it in the US in the fifties. But current practice is to add the 's in most situations. "James's Pen". Check the style guides, friend.

[tudomuonnam]

James, you're funny and your style is very attractive. Good teacher!

[hypersigil]

You are wrong. It is James's pen. We DO add the second "S" after the apostrophe. In the past, we did not. English is an evolving language, and this is something that has changed in the last few decades. You can check the major style guides for guidance on this issue: MLA, Chicago, etc.

[ExNihilMetal]

@Geeljasjes

The possessive apostrophe is used to replace the letter "e". In old English, the genitive (possessive) case was formed by adding "es" to the end of a singular word (thus "Jameses pen") and "e" to the end of a plural world ("the studentse pen"). Since the "e" is no longer pronounced, we write an apostrophe instead, so it's "James's pen", and the "students' pen".

[ROSYTADEU]

@JamesESL ILU James!!

[ROSYTADEU]

All I can say is: Thanks!! (And I love you James!!)

[flogeon]

STD

[mtugcu]

what is this guy doing? does anyone have an idea:))))) ı have never seen such a useless teacher:)))))

[Geeljasjes]

@pepperonipizza1993

That's how it is internationally.

Americans want to be different.

[pepperonipizza1993]

@Geeljasjes in Britain we usually say "James' pen"

[Lilithly]

@JamesESL actually we were taught the same as Geeljasjes ...and that wasn´t too long ago:) if they changed it, i like the old way better. it just looks strange with another s...

[PaperTowel1101]

I live in the United States, and we would write it "Jame's" -only ONE 's'

I had no idea that's what they did in Canada. Hmm...