This typically occurs when the name ends with a hard z sound or when the additional syllable improves the flow of the word. Exceptions to the Standard Rule While the apostrophe-s method is standard, there are specific scenarios where adding an es creates a clearer and more conventional result.
A Guide to Pluralizing Names Ending With S
Yet names present a unique challenge because they are proper nouns, and the traditional rules for regular nouns do not always apply. Names Ending in Z For names that end with the letter z, such as Lopez or Gonzalez, adding es is often the superior choice.
Adding es helps to avoid the visual clutter of too many consecutive s characters and can make the word easier to pronounce. If adding an apostrophe results in an awkward pause or a tongue-twister, switching to the es format is the logical alternative.
When to Add "Es" to Names Ending in S
Singular Plural (Apostrophe) Plural (Es) James James’ Jameses Thomas Thomas’ Thomases Lopez Lopez’ Lopezes Following style guides is essential when determining the appropriate format. When you refer to more than one person, the standard approach is to add an s to the end of a name.
More About How to pluralize a name ending in s
Looking at How to pluralize a name ending in s from another angle can help expand the discussion and give readers a second clear paragraph under the same section.
More perspective on How to pluralize a name ending in s can make the topic easier to follow by connecting earlier points with a few simple takeaways.
