Dresden's Content Perspective

The Great Punctuation Debate: Harris and Walz Revive Surname Conundrums

The dialogue primarily revolves around how to treat singular nouns that end in “s.”

This debate has left many unsure whether to write “Harris’ plan for the economy” or “Harris’s plan for the economy,” the same dilemma applies to Walz, highlighting the challenges that arise from seemingly straightforward grammatical rules.

Traditionally, some style guides, such as the Chicago Manual of Style, advocate adding an apostrophe followed by an “s” (Harris’s) to denote possession. Others, like the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook, prefer just an apostrophe (Harris’) for proper names ending in “s.” This inconsistency has led to confusion, particularly among those outside professional writing.

As with many linguistic debates, the resolution often lies in consistency and communication. Both forms—Harris’ and Harris’s—are grammatically correct, but the key is to remain consistent throughout content creation. 

The primary goal of punctuation is to help the reader understand the message. Whether you opt for “Harris’ plan” or “Harris’s plan,” what matters most is that you maintain the same format throughout your writing.

Style guides play an essential role in this context. They offer a set of rules and recommendations to help writers navigate the intricacies of grammar and punctuation. In an age where communication is paramount, creating and implementing a style guide can provide clarity and consistency, especially in professional and academic settings. The choice of guide depends on your writing context and audience.

The debates sparked by names like Harris and Walz remind us of the complexities of English grammar. While differing opinions exist on possessive surnames, the takeaway is to prioritize clear communication. 

So, whether you choose “Harris’” or “Harris’s,” stick to your choice and focus on conveying your message effectively. Clarity is what truly counts in writing.

“Every sentence must do one of two things—reveal character or advance the action.”

— Kurt Vonnegut

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